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MDCC Associate Degree Nursing Program Achieves 100% Pass Rate, One of Only Two in the State
Moorhead, Miss. (Feb. 26, 2024) - Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) proudly announces that the 2023 graduates of its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program achieved an extraordinary milestone – a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN™ licensure exam, as reported by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. This remarkable accomplishment places MDCC among the top nursing education institutions in the state.
The ADN program at MDCC, consisting of 43 graduates in 2023, is one of only two institutions,
including colleges and universities, in Mississippi to attain a 100% first-write passage
rate. This success is a testament to the dedication and excellence exhibited by both
students and faculty.
Currently, the ADN program at MDCC boasts a cohort of 78 students, underscoring its
popularity and demand. For the Fall 2024 program, MDCC has received over 100 applications.
However, due to limited classroom and lab space, only a portion of qualified students
can be accepted. This highlights the urgent need for expanded facilities to accommodate
the growing number of aspiring nursing professionals.
MDCC is actively addressing this need by proposing the construction of a new addition to the Greer-Stafford Allied Health/Nursing Building. This addition aims to provide advanced training and instruction in nursing, including large auditorium-style classrooms, modern laboratories, and a nursing simulation lab. The proposed expansion aligns with MDCC's commitment to delivering state-of-the-art education to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.
Dean of Health Sciences Patricia Kelly expressed her pride in the achievements of the Health Science programs, saying, "I am very proud of our Associate Degree Nursing students and faculty on their remarkable accomplishment of a 100% first write board pass rate on the Next Generation NCLEX-RN™ licensure exam. The 2023 graduates were the first class to take the Next Generation version of this exam. At MDCC, we consistently strive to improve our Health Science programs."
Kelly further shared that she was excited about the recent hiring of a health sciences student navigator, a role dedicated to supporting students in overcoming challenges and navigating their educational journey.
Director of Nursing/ADN Chair Traci Beckham applauded the 100% pass rate, saying, "I am so pleased that 100% of the Associate Degree Nursing class of 2023 passed the NCLEX-RN™ on the first write. The NCLEX-RN™ is the national examination for the licensing of registered nurses in the United States. I commend this class for their hard work and motivation to succeed." Both Kelly and Beckham also commend the hard-working faculty's investment in the students' success.
Beckham acknowledged the diversity of the nursing student body, stating, "While we have a number of traditional students, a significant portion of our nursing students are considered non-traditional. The non-traditional students' time and resources are divided among other responsibilities such as parenting and working part-time. Others pursue nursing as a second career."
MDCC President Tyrone Jackson commended the students for their hard work, the faculty for their dedication, and expressed his excitement for MDCC to build toward a brighter future. Jackson stated, "The remarkable achievements of our ADN program reflect the commitment and dedication of our students and faculty. I am incredibly proud of their accomplishments. As we continue to strive for excellence, I am excited for MDCC to build on this success and continue to provide exceptional education and training for our students, leading them toward promising careers in healthcare."
Looking forward, Beckham outlined plans for expansion and the ongoing pursuit of funding for a new nursing and simulation center. "With additional funding, we could increase the nursing workforce. We would be able to make an even more powerful impact on healthcare in the state," Beckham added.
MDCC remains committed to producing highly skilled and competent nursing professionals and is actively seeking community and stakeholder support to make this ambitious expansion a reality.