A New "Blue" and Gold Standard: STC Nursing Grads Lead the State with Record NCLEX Pass Rate

By Dr. Kimberly Selber

As the demand for skilled health care professionals surges nationwide, South Texas College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is setting the pace in Texas, posting a remarkable 98.14% pass rate on the 2024 National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Among Texas schools graduating more than 200 nursing students, STC leads the pack—outperforming institutions like the University of Texas at Austin (92.38%) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (92.14%).

The program’s success comes at a pivotal moment. With the national NCLEX pass rate at 88% in 2023 and Texas averaging 92%, STC’s performance stands well above the curve. And this year’s results carry even greater weight. In 2023, the exam underwent significant revisions under the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) initiative, adding complexity to better simulate real-world clinical scenarios.

“These results are not just numbers. They reflect our commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our community,” said STC Nursing and Allied Health Interim Dean Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP. “It is my honor to lead a team so committed to the profession and to the future of nursing. Together, we continue to raise the bar, ensuring that STC’s

legacy of excellence in nursing education remains strong.” STC’s nursing graduates are already making an impact. Last year alone, the college sent more than 350 newly trained nurses into the workforce through its ADN and Vocational Nursing programs—reinforcing a critical pipeline for an industry in urgent need of professionals.

STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., underscored the broader implications of the program’s achievement. “What an incredible accomplishment. Our nursing program is rigorous and exceptional because of its significant impact on our community,” he said. “This is possible because of our dedicated faculty, who are truly making a difference. We also want to thank our clinical partners, who give our students the extraordinary opportunity to gain hands-on experience, as well as the city of McAllen and Hidalgo County, which have generously donated millions over the years for scholarships to support the success of these future nurses.”

The program’s reputation continues to grow. In 2023, STC became the first institution in the nation to establish a registered nurse apprenticeship recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, further cementing its role as a leader in nursing education.