WYE MILLS – For the first time, a group of Chesapeake College MGW Nursing Program students achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on their certification exams. The FY21 cohort that tested between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, earned a perfect pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam, according to the Maryland Board of Nursing.

“The group of students who achieved a 100 percent pass rate included some 2020 graduates that had five weeks of online learning due to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and some 2021 graduates who experienced five weeks of online learning in 2020, and then an entire year of online learning in 2020-2021,” said Dr. Heather Westerfield, Director of Nursing.  “The fact that we have the highest pass rate in the history of the program during these trying times speaks to the dedication of our students, nursing faculty and the support of our administration.”

President Clifford Coppersmith credited the record pass rate to the students’ determination and excellent preparation by the nursing faculty.

“This statistic is certainly indicative of the grit shown by our students and the dedication of our faculty,” Dr. Coppersmith said. “Such an achievement is especially impressive in light of the hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic in the last 18 months. We’re proud of our nursing students, and the instructors who work so hard to help them achieve their goals.”

To learn more about the Chesapeake College MGW Nursing Program, please visit www.chesapeake.edu/allied-health/nursing