Why CTX Nursing Grads Outperform NCLEX Averages

Choosing a nursing program is one of the most important decisions an aspiring healthcare professional can make. Students and families want to know that their investment will lead to strong academic preparation, successful licensure outcomes, and meaningful career opportunities.

At Concordia University Texas, those outcomes speak for themselves.

The Concordia Texas Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program achieved first-time NCLEX pass rates of 97.18% in 2024 and 97.83% in 2025, exceeding both Texas and national averages. These results demonstrate the strength of a nursing program designed to prepare students not only to pass an exam, but to thrive as compassionate, highly skilled healthcare professionals.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), NCLEX pass rates are one of the most widely used indicators of nursing program effectiveness because they reflect graduates' readiness to enter professional practice. The exam serves as the final step toward becoming a licensed registered nurse and measures the knowledge, judgment, and clinical decision-making skills required for safe patient care

What Is the NCLEX and Why Does It Matter? 

The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the national licensing exam required for nursing graduates to become Registered Nurses (RNs). Successfully passing the NCLEX is one of the final and most important steps in a nursing student's educational journey.

For prospective students and families, NCLEX pass rates provide valuable insight into a nursing program's effectiveness. Strong pass rates indicate that graduates are prepared to meet national nursing standards, deliver safe patient care, and enter the workforce with confidence.

How Concordia Texas Prepares Nursing Students for Success

NCLEX success doesn't happen by accident.

At Concordia Texas, preparation begins when students enter the nursing program. NCLEX concepts, critical thinking skills, and exam-style questions are intentionally integrated throughout the curriculum, helping students build confidence and competence over time.

Students benefit from a comprehensive educational experience that includes:

• High-fidelity simulation experiences
• Modern nursing skills laboratories
• Virtual reality learning opportunities
• Clinical experiences throughout Central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth region
• Integrated NCLEX preparation resources
• Academic support through tutoring and success coaching
• Faculty mentorship and guidance

This combination of classroom learning, hands-on practice, and personalized support creates an environment where students can develop the knowledge and clinical judgment necessary for success.

What Makes the Concordia Texas Nursing Program Different?

While many nursing programs focus solely on academic achievement, Concordia Texas takes a more holistic approach to nursing education.

Small class sizes allow students to build meaningful relationships with faculty and classmates. Students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in discussion, and strengthen the critical thinking skills that are essential in today's healthcare environment.

The program's faculty combine professional expertise with a commitment to student success, creating a learning environment that is both rigorous and supportive.

"Nursing education is rigorous, and our students are challenged to think critically, solve complex problems, and provide excellent patient care," said Dr. Amber Shammas, Senior Director of the College of Health Sciences. "What makes Concordia Texas special is that students never have to navigate that journey alone. Through faculty mentorship, hands-on learning, and a commitment to compassionate care, we prepare graduates who are ready to succeed on the NCLEX and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients."

Clinical Experience That Prepares Students for Real-World Nursing

Healthcare employers consistently seek graduates who can transition confidently from the classroom to patient care settings.

Concordia Texas nursing students gain practical experience through clinical partnerships across Central Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Combined with simulation experiences and skills-based learning, these opportunities allow students to apply classroom concepts in real healthcare environments before graduation.

This hands-on approach helps students build confidence while developing the technical and interpersonal skills required in today's healthcare workforce.

Preparing Nurses Who Lead with Skill and Compassion

The Concordia Texas nursing program is rooted in the university's mission to develop graduates who serve others with excellence, integrity, and compassion.

Students encounter professional ethics, compassionate patient care, and servant leadership principles throughout the curriculum. These values are reinforced through coursework, clinical experiences, and faculty mentorship, helping graduates become healthcare professionals who care for the whole person.

Most graduates pursue Registered Nurse positions in hospitals, while others enter community health settings, clinics, and graduate nursing programs. Regardless of where their careers take them, Concordia Texas nursing graduates leave prepared to make an impact in their communities.

Why Nursing Students Choose Concordia Texas

Students looking for a nursing school in Austin want more than a degree. They want preparation, support, and confidence that they will be ready for the next step.

For students seeking a nursing program that combines academic excellence, hands-on experience, and a commitment to compassionate care, Concordia Texas continues to deliver outcomes that matter.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Concordia Texas Nursing Program