Grace College Nursing Class of 2023 Secures 100% Boards NCLEX Exam Pass Rate

The 2023 graduates of Bethel University’s School of Nursing at Grace College boast a 100% NCLEX pass rate for the RN Boards exam. This number surpasses the national average pass rate by 20%.

“Our graduates have surpassed the national average by a considerable margin every year since the BSN program’s inception in 2020, and this is the third year we’ve had a 100% pass rate,” said Kristen Richmond, the coordinator of nursing at Grace College. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work of our 2023 graduates, and we are confident that they will make a tremendous impact for Christ in the field of nursing.”

Nursing students at Grace participate in the Grace College campus life and liberal arts courses while studying nursing with Bethel University nursing professors. These students have access to Grace’s state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab where they are able to practice their skills in a life-like environment. As a direct result of scenario-based learning and experienced faculty, employers that hire Grace BSN graduates report a 100% satisfaction rate.

“The 100% NCLEX pass rate exemplifies the level of excellence we strive for in the School of Science and Engineering at Grace College,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, dean of the School of Science and Engineering. “My wife is an RN at a local hospital, so I know firsthand that this program serves a critical need in our region. A huge congratulations are in order to the faculty, staff and students who have worked hard to achieve this result.”

One of the 2023 Grace nursing graduates, Jeri Ellis, of Connersville, Indiana, juggled the load of being a full-time student and full-time athlete on Grace’s softball team. Despite her full schedule, Ellis felt exceedingly prepared when it came time to take the NCLEX.

“At the end of our senior year, the program provided our class with an NCLEX Preparation Course for three days,” said Ellis. “While there were a lot of practice questions and material reviewed, it gave me a better idea of how the NCLEX was set up and what kind of questions I should expect.”

Within a few days of taking the exam, Ellis and her mom, who has previously served as a nurse, celebrated the news awaiting in her email inbox – she had earned her license as a registered nurse.

Looking forward, Ellis is exploring different job possibilities but hopes to begin her nursing career this fall while concurrently taking her last year of eligibility to play softball for Grace.

“I am so grateful for my time in the Bethel University nursing program at Grace College,” said Ellis. “I was able to earn my degree in a Christ-centered community while having the opportunity to play the sport I love, and I felt supported, encouraged and loved by all the staff. Throughout my four years in school, I have gained a better understanding of how I can be the hands and feet of Jesus and be a light during the patients’ darkest times.”

Bethel University’s School of Nursing at Grace College is now accepting applicants. To learn more about the program, visit www.grace.edu/programs/nursing/.