Last year, out of every baccalaureate program in Idaho, Boise State had the highest passing rate, at 93.5 percent, for first time exam takers of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). NCLEX is an examination administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing that determines if it is safe for graduated nursing students to begin practice as an entry-level nurse.
While nursing school exams are knowledge-based, the NCLEX-RN tests application and analysis using the nursing knowledge learned in school. Graduates are tested on how they can use critical thinking skills to make nursing judgments.
Since 2008, Boise State first time exam takers have continually passed above the Idaho average and only once fell below the national average of 89.6 percent. Overall, Boise State students have been doing well on the exam, scoring better than 92 percent.