Wallace Community College-Selma (WCCS) announced Thursday the ADN program has been ranked as one of the Best RN Programs in Alabama by the website, www.registerednursing.org.

“A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN ‘pass rates,’” according to a release from the website. “We have ranked the top 40 nursing schools in Alabama by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN ‘pass rates’, meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 40 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include both two-year and four-year schools in Alabama that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.  WCCS ranked number 10 of the 40 RN programs in the state.”

The NCLEX-RN exam is used by all state boards of nursing across the United States to help assess a student’s competency and is required for licensure. Also, many state boards of nursing use the total overall NCLEX-RN pass rates for a school as one of the main ways to approve a school’s ability to provide a nursing education in the state.

For several years, the pass rate for first time test-takers of the WCCS nursing programs have exceeded both state and national first time test-taker pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

The website compared the pass rate of WCCS NCLEX-RN first time takers at Alabama. WCCS had a 100 percent pass rate while Alabama had 87 percent. Nationally first time test takers made an average 88.3 percent, according to a release.

“The nursing programs at Wallace Community College Selma have a rich history for providing excellence in educational practices.  It is an honor to be recognized among so many nursing education programs.  Because we have a passion for what we do here at WCCS, we look forward to continuing to prepare nurses who are both confident and competent in providing quality care for their clients.  It is our goal to ensure that our graduates are more than ready to play a vital role in the growth of the nursing profession,” said Dr. Tracey Shannon, Director of Health Sciences at WCCS.

“We continue to be very proud of our nursing students, faculty and staff. They are shining examples of excellence,” said Dr. James Mitchell, WCCS President.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will occur for a number of reasons, including an increased emphasis on preventive care; growing rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity; and demand for healthcare services from the baby-boom population, as they live longer and more active lives.

For more information on the nursing programs at WCCS, visit the college website atwww.wccs.edu or call (334) 876-9277.