The College of Nursing is proud to celebrate a 100% first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), pass rate among its December 2025 BSN graduates.
All 52 students successfully completed the NCLEX, a critical milestone required to become a registered nurse and enter professional practice. Of the 52 graduates, 49 obtained licensure through the Tennessee Board of Nursing, while one graduate each tested through the Arizona, Illinois, and District of Columbia Boards of Nursing. All graduates were a part of the BSN Scholars program.
“Achieving a 100% first-time pass rate is an extraordinary accomplishment for our BSN Scholars,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “This is a reflection of the caliber of our students and the strength of our partnership with UT Medical.”
The BSN Scholars program is a robust academic practice partnership with The University of Tennessee Medical (UTMC). Students who participate in the program learn and train inside UTMC.
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of UTMC, Sandy Leake, shared, “As the region’s academic medical center, UTMC serves as a primary clinical partner, providing students with hands-on learning experiences across a wide range of specialties.” She added that, “this collaboration allows students to train alongside experienced clinicians in a real-world environment, strengthening their clinical judgment, confidence, and readiness to transition into practice.”
These students truly embody the spirit and initiative it takes to become innovative, next level nurses.
Contacts:
Kara Clark Cardwell ([email protected], 865-974-9498)
Lauren Bryant ([email protected], 865-974-8250)