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(Leavenworth, Kan.)—According to statistics released by the Kansas Board of Nursing, 92.98 percent of »¨½·Ö±²¥ nursing students passed the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. The national first-time pass rate is 91.78 percent – giving Saint Mary a distinct seat among top nursing programs in the state.

The NCLEX, or the National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test used by state regulatory boards to determine if candidates are ready to become licensed as entry-level nurses.

"Year after year, the »¨½·Ö±²¥ aims to create a critical-thinking environment – one where students are challenged to learn and reach their God-given potential," said Dr. Michelle Birdashaw, nursing division chair and assistant professor of nursing. "Our pass rate for first-time takers reinforces that our evidence-based education provides students with the tools they need to be successful at »¨½·Ö±²¥ and beyond."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of registered nursing jobs will increase by 12 percent from 2018 to 2028. »¨½·Ö±²¥ is helping fill the void by launching and sustaining well-regarded programs addressing positions of critical need.

»¨½·Ö±²¥ is also one of the few Kanas City-area schools offering direct entry into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for incoming freshmen. In this program, students are guaranteed a seat in USM's nursing class once they've completed their prerequisite coursework and meet key academic milestones. At most colleges, students re-apply to nursing school after their sophomore year.

To learn more about any of USM's nationally accredited programs, visit stmary.edu/Nursing or contact Lisa Cohe, USM's health care programs admissions representative, at lisa.cohe@stmary.edu.

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The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit  for more information.