NORTH EAST, MD — Cecil College‘s nursing program has once again demonstrated its exceptional quality, achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for the fourth time in seven years. This remarkable feat underscores the program’s reputation as one of the most prestigious in Maryland, with its graduates highly sought after in the nursing field.
The Maryland Board of Nursing has consistently ranked Cecil College’s nursing program among the highest-performing in the state, achieving the top pass rate in 2018, 2019, 2022, and now 2024. The program’s success is a testament to its rigorous academic standards and the comprehensive support it receives from the college community. “Community College nursing programs are critical to meeting the workforce need for nurses in Maryland. Such an outstanding pass rate indicates that Cecil College is preparing nurses to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare environment,” affirmed Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.
Cecil College shares this accolade with Chesapeake College and Prince George’s Community College as the only two-year nursing programs in Maryland to achieve a perfect pass rate in 2024. These results exceed the pass rates of the other 12 community colleges in the state, as well as all the four-year Bachelor of Nursing programs. The state of Maryland boasts an average pass rate of 93.78 percent, surpassing the national average of 92.18 percent, securing the top national rank.
The program’s success is largely attributed to the dedication of its faculty and the robust support system from the college’s administration. “We have a lot of support for our program at Cecil College. The Board of Trustees, Administration, faculty and staff, and the Cecil College Foundation ensure that we have the most up-to-date equipment and supplies by providing financial support for the students and professional educational opportunities for our nursing faculty,” explained Dr. Nancy Norman-Marzella, Dean of Health, Human, and Business Sciences.
Central to the program’s achievements is its committed faculty, including Assistant Director of Nursing Dr. Roxanne Rash and other distinguished educators, who bring both academic excellence and practical experience to the classroom. “Our faculty’s commitment to the program and students is a magical formula,” noted Dr. Norman-Marzella. “The faculty know the curriculum and can help students because they understand the rigorous demands of the nursing program and nursing practice.”
The program also benefits from the role of a nursing student success coordinator, who provides targeted support through one-on-one and small group study sessions, focusing on exam preparation and stress management strategies. This layered support system ensures students are well-equipped to succeed both academically and professionally.
A crucial aspect of Cecil College’s program is its curriculum, which balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, beginning in the first semester. This approach is enhanced by partnerships with regional hospitals and clinical settings, allowing students to gain hands-on experience critical to their professional development.
Cecil College’s nursing program is fully accredited by the Maryland State Board of Nursing and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the college holds regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). These accreditations affirm the program’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards and preparing students for successful careers in nursing.
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