News and Updates

SGSC School of Nursing Boasts 98% Pass Rate for 2017 NCLEX Exam

The South Georgia State College (SGSC) School of Nursing is proud to announce that its most recent graduating class scored a 98% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. This standardized exam is given to registered nurse graduates in order to determine whether or not they are qualified to practice entry-level nursing. Graduates are required to pass the exam before they are considered eligible for a nursing license.

Allen Jewell, a 2016 graduate of SGSC with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, recalls his experience with the NCLEX-RN exam, "I was a nervous wreck before I took my boards; however, knowing that I received the knowledge I'd require to pass helped ease the anxiety."

Jewell also graduated from SGSC's RN-BSN program in May 2017 and is now a nurse in the pediatric unit at Coffee Regional Medical Center. He goes on to say, "I am not surprised to hear about the pass rate. I was very impressed by the professors in the nursing program at SGSC. I honestly felt as if every one of them wished to see me succeed above all else, and they all did their best to facilitate my learning and ensure that I had the skills I'd require to be successful both in my field and in furthering my education."

SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thomson-Sellers noted that since 2013, SGSC academic program offerings have increased, with the addition of two baccalaureate programs including a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Management in addition to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Interest in these baccalaureate programs continues to grow, and the college is seeing larger cohort classes this fall than in previous years. “Our BSN degree offers an affordable and greatly sought-after learning opportunity for students, taught by passionate faculty committed to student success,” she said.

Dr. Scott Thigpen, Dean and Professor of Nursing echoes this sentiment. "Our faculty are top-notch. They are committed to delivering excellence in nursing education and graduates of the rigorous program participate in classroom instruction, skills laboratories, and experiences in our community clinical agencies. He adds, "This pass rate is a validation of not only their commitment to quality instruction, but also to the caliber of students we have in our program."

The SGSC School of Nursing faculty members each bring their graduate academic preparation, clinical experience, advanced certifications and commitment to nursing excellence to the program. Faculty members include: Ms. Lisa Batten, Dr. Jaime Carter, Ms. Susan Clement, Dr. Bobby Jean Musgrove, Ms. Darlene Pirkle, Ms. Buckie Sasser, Mr. Curt Spires, Ms. Kasey Strickland and Ms. Lauren Thornton.

The SGSC School of Nursing is approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing and the Associate of Science in Nursing and the Bachelors of Science in nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Our health care partners have been recognized as one of the greatest strengths by accreditation organizations. Coffee Regional Medical Center CEO, Mrs. Vicki Lewis, states, "We hire many graduates from SGSC's School of  Nursing and could not deliver the quality of care or possess the necessary staffing levels to adequately serve our patients without their program."

South Georgia State College offers the LPN-RN Bridge, Associate of Science in Nursing and the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN). Application to the program is competitive and the nursing curriculum is very rigorous. Many of our graduates enjoy great career opportunities in the profession of nursing and continue their education journey to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse midwives and nurse anesthetists. To learn more or to apply, please visit the SGSC School of Nursing program at www.sgsc.edu.