Graduates of three Grayson County College health sciences programs achieved excellent pass rates recently on their national examinations.
GCC’s Vocational Nursing Program graduated its largest class in 2009. After completing the 12-month program, 67 graduates – up from 47 in 2008 – earned certificates and were eligible for licensure. They became licensed vocational nurses after garnering a 97 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-Practical Nursing.
GCC’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program had 87 eligible graduates in the 2009 class who earned an associate of applied science degree in nursing; they generated a 98.8 percent pass rate on the NCLEX-Registered Nursing, up from 97 percent in 2008. By passing the national exam, the GCC graduates are licensed as registered nurses in the state of Texas.
“These excellent pass rates are indicative of GCC students’ commitment to their studies and their new profession,” said Jean Flick, professor of nursing and director of the College’s ADN program. “Their success reflects well on the dedication of the College’s faculty and staff as well as the healthcare professionals in our community who support and mentor our students and graduates.”
GCC’s Radiologic Technology Program awarded 22 graduates the associate of applied science degree in 2009. Of those, 20 passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ national examination that qualifies them as registered radiologic technologists. One graduate has yet to take the exam, and another must retake the exam. Once they do, the 95 percent pass rate for 2009 graduates may increase.
According to April Reed, program director, GCC began accepting radiologic technology students in 2004 and graduated its first class in 2006. Students experience a hands-on learning environment by having access to an on-campus X-ray lab, which helps them immediately apply concepts learned in the classroom.
For more information about GCC’s health sciences programs, visit the college’s website at www.grayson.edu.