Muskingum University was recently ranked first in the state for its nursing program. 

According to the University, the nationally-recognized nurse advocacy group, RegisteredNursing.org, placed Muskingum at the top of its list out of a pool of 96 schools statewide, an improvement from its fourth-place ranking in 2019. 

“We set the bar very high for our nursing students to help them develop the skills needed to hit the ground running as professional nurses, and we’re thrilled that our #1 ranking reflects this commitment to long-term graduate success,” said Dr. Cynthia Wilkins, director and chair of Nursing programs at Muskingum University.

The group that ranked the nursing programs explained on its website that schools were assessed on factors that represent how well students are prepared for licensure and beyond. Those scores are based on past and present first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates.

For four consecutive years, Muskingum University nursing graduates have all passed the NCLEX exam on their first attempts. 

According to Muskingum University, only 10 out of more than 100 nursing programs had perfect pass rates on the first attempt in 2018. 

In addition to its perfect pass rate, Muskingum University also reports that 100 percent of its nursing graduates over the past four years are employed in their field.

“The need for quality health care providers is at an all-time high in our region, and we take pride in producing quality graduates equipped to navigate the unpredictable and fast-paced nursing landscape,” said Wilkins.

Hailey Dickey, a 2016 nursing graduate, currently works for Nationwide Children’s Hospital as a critical care transport team clinician. 

She said her education at Muskingum was an essential foundation for her success.

Hailey Dickey ’16, RN, BSN, says the four years spent in Muskingum University’s Nursing Department served as an essential foundation for professional and personal success. She currently works as a critical care transport team clinician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“As a member of Nationwide Children’s critical care transport team, I care for an expansive list of illnesses in the pediatric community both on the ground in our mobile unit and in the air in the Monarch 1 helicopter,” said Dickey. “The pressure as a member of this team is often high, but I rely on the education and hands-on experience Muskingum provided me to be successful. Without this foundation, I would not be where I am today.”

In addition to its traditional bachelor’s program and online R.N. to B.S.N. program for adult students, Muskingum University also recently launched an accelerated nursing program beginning in the fall for those who already have bachelor’s degrees or higher in fields other than nursing.