Students in the Fall 2025 Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort at the University of North Alabama achieved a milestone for the school’s nursing program, recording a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX.
Officials with UNA’s Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions said it marks the first time in the program’s history that an entire traditional pre-licensure cohort has passed the exam on the first attempt.
The NCLEX is the national licensing examination required for entry into professional nursing practice. The exam measures entry-level clinical judgment and patient safety knowledge through a series of adaptive questions and can last up to five hours.
Dean of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions Tera Kirkman said nursing cohorts typically achieve pass rates between 93% and 97%, making the latest results unprecedented for the program.
“Cohorts typically average between 93 percent and 97 percent in their pass rates, but this marks the first time in our program’s history, based on all available records, that an entire traditional pre-licensure cohort has achieved a 100 percent first-attempt pass rate,” Kirkman said. “I am incredibly proud of our students. They work tirelessly to complete one of the most rigorous programs and to become truly practice-ready. Their success is also a reflection of the outstanding commitment of our faculty and staff and of the exceptional leadership of Dr. Amy Seay.”
Dr. Amy Seay oversees the undergraduate nursing program and curriculum, supporting faculty and students through preparation for the licensing exam and professional practice.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and faculty for achieving a 100 percent first-time pass rate,” Seay said. “This accomplishment reflects the dedication of our students and the unwavering commitment of our faculty to prepare graduates who are ready to provide high-quality, compassionate care to the community.”
University officials said the achievement reflects the college’s ongoing focus on preparing practice-ready nurses equipped to meet growing healthcare demands across the region.
Located in Florence, the University of North Alabama offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs across multiple colleges and serves students throughout northwest Alabama and beyond.
