PCC Nursing Program earns top ranking in nation for licensure exam pass rate
Photos and story by Misty Bouse
Portland Community College has earned the distinction of being the top-ranked registered nursing (RN) program in the United States, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
This ranking reflects the program’s preparation of students, culminating in consistently high pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), a critical certification for aspiring nurses. The NCSBN also ranked PCC first among 2,228 programs nationally and tops among 30 programs in Oregon in its 2023-2024 program reports.
“We are all so excited for our students and incredibly proud of our faculty and staff,” said Janeen Hull, dean of the Academic and Career Pathways, Health and Emergency Professions Pathway. “It’s really a reflection of the time, energy and efforts of our amazing team, who are truly dedicated to preparing students for success.”
Want a Career in Nursing?
PCC’s Nursing Program prepares students for entry-level registered nursing careers, with over 95% passing the licensure exam in recent years. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, graduates enter a growing field with Portland-area RNs earning $106,086 annually on average.
Over the past 15 years, PCC’s nursing graduates have maintained NCLEX first-time pass rates exceeding 90%. In 2023, the program achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate, then a 91% pass rate in 2024. While other schools may achieve high pass rates in a given year, Program Dean Adam Wright emphasized that such “sustained performance is rare among nursing programs,” further solidifying PCC’s reputation.
Great Faculty, Great Technology
So, what sets PCC Nursing apart? PCC’s success is attributed to its exceptional faculty, cutting-edge facilities and advanced simulation technology. Hull praised the staff’s dedication to student success, while Wright highlighted the program’s strong focus on practical skills and academic excellence.
“We have the state’s best instructors, the most state-of-the-art facilities, and top-notch simulation technology,” Wright said, adding that these resources play a crucial role in preparing students for real-world nursing challenges.
Wright, a 2005 PCC graduate of the program, takes pride in the accolades the program receives from clinical partners.
“Our students are among the most prepared to enter the nursing workforce,” he said. Wright further noted that this reputation has earned PCC access to coveted clinical rotation opportunities.
Each year, around 400 aspiring nurses apply to PCC’s competitive program, which admits only about 40 students annually—an acceptance rate of nearly 10%. The program attracts and prioritizes candidates with healthcare experience or certifications, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the rigorous demands of nursing school.
Supportive Learning Environment
Smaller faculty-to-student ratios particularly in clinical, skills lab and simulation settings, allow for a more personalized education. With two cohorts (first- and second-year) running simultaneously, the program currently has 71 students supported by seven full-time and several part-time faculty members.
Nursing student works on robot patient in lab.
Since the early 2000s, PCC has been affiliated with the Oregon Consortium of Nursing Education, a partnership with Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) and other community colleges. This collaboration ensures a shared curriculum focused on core nursing competencies, professional skills and academic policies.
PCC also uses Assessment Technology Institute resources, which provide tools, assessments, and remediation activities to help students identify strengths and weaknesses, improving their test-taking abilities and NCLEX readiness.
Challenges and Future Goals
While PCC has excelled in academic performance, the program recognizes the need for greater diversity among its students. Wright aims to address this issue by collaborating with community partners and engaging high school students of color through initiatives like PCC-sponsored Preview Days and the annual Career Fair at the Oregon Convention Center.
The program’s graduates are highly sought after, often securing employment during their final clinical practicums, which include 200 hours of hands-on training. Additionally, the PCC Nursing Program enables non-competitive admission to OHSU School of Nursing where students can directly continue in OHSU’s RN to B.S. (Bachelor of Science) nursing major program.
For more information visit pcc.edu/programs/nursing .
About Misty Bouse
A Portland Community College public relations specialist, Misty Bouse has been working in college advancement for a decade. A graduate of University of Oregon, Misty has worked as a managing editor for BUILDERNews Magazine and as a contribu... more »