Conemaugh School of Nursing Celebrates 100% NCLEX Pass Rate for Third Consecutive Year

The Conemaugh School of Nursing (CSON) is celebrating a remarkable milestone: for the third consecutive year, all graduates of the Class of 2025 passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt, underscoring the school’s reputation for academic excellence and workforce readiness.

This sustained achievement places CSON among an elite group of nursing schools nationwide that consistently outperform both state and national averages. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and recent Kaplan data, the national first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate stands at approximately 88.8%, while Pennsylvania’s average is 90.7%. Conemaugh’s results not only surpass these benchmarks but reaffirm the program’s position as a leader in nurse education.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and faculty for their unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence, which has resulted in a perfect pass rate three years in a row,” said James Ahacic, Interim Director of the Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs. “This accomplishment is a reflection of the strength of our curriculum and the outstanding mentorship our faculty provides.”

In addition to excelling on their licensure exams, every graduate of the Class of 2025 has already secured employment as a registered nurse. Impressively, 20 of the 21 graduates have chosen to begin their careers at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.

“Having the majority of our graduates stay with Conemaugh is a tremendous point of pride,” said Christine Stryker, Chief Nursing Officer of Conemaugh Health System. “It demonstrates the exceptional preparation they received and highlights the deep sense of community our program fosters. Their decision to remain here ensures our patients continue to receive compassionate, high-quality care from nurses who are deeply connected to this region.”

Founded in 1896 and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing since 1918, the Conemaugh School of Nursing offers a two-year accredited diploma program with nearly 1,000 hours of clinical experience, a low student-to-faculty ratio, and affordable tuition. Students benefit from newly renovated facilities featuring advanced simulation labs and modern classrooms, preparing them to excel in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

In addition to nursing, Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs provides accelerated pathways into other essential healthcare careers, including histotechnology, radiologic technology, surgical technology, laboratory science, and emergency medical services.

Graduates include: