Practical nursing class earns 100% pass rate on national licensure exam

Southeastern Community College’s Practical Nursing class of 2025 is celebrating a major milestone, with all 10 graduates passing the National Council Licensure Examination to become licensed practical nurses. 

The 100% pass rate reflects the students’ dedication, the support of SCC’s nursing faculty and clinical instructors, and the strength of the college’s hands-on training model. From early mornings and late night studying to demanding clinical experiences, this class proved that nothing worth having comes easy. 

“We are extremely proud of these students and what they have accomplished,” said Jessica Hill, Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Training. “Passing the NCLEX is a major achievement, and having every student in the class pass speaks to their dedication, preparation and commitment to patient care.” 

The Practical Nursing class of 2025 included Lace Bailey, Maliya Broome, Peter Campbell, Darian Ekwunoh, Maria Georgakopoulos, Sophie McPherson, Vanessa Pineda, Alexia Powell, Brittney Smith-Cherry and Samantha Strange. 

Each practical nursing student completed a focused client care experience consisting of 120 hours in a clinical setting under the mentorship of a registered nurse. Tammy Faulk, Director of Nursing, said the experience allows students to step into the rhythm and responsibility of nursing before entering the workforce. 

“Focused client care gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a real clinical setting while being mentored by a registered nurse,” Faulk said. “They are learning what it means to provide safe, compassionate care, and that experience helps prepare them for the expectations of the profession.” 

SCC’s Practical Nursing program also uses a strong NCLEX study platform throughout the program, with additional emphasis in Practical Nursing III. 

“We have implemented a really strong NCLEX study platform in our Practical Nursing III course that goes above and beyond the NCLEX prep resources we use throughout the program,” Hill said. “All students start preparing for the NCLEX as soon as they enter class on the first day.” 

Hill explained that the NCLEX study platform provides important data points that help identify which students may need additional support before taking the exam. Nursing faculty then work individually with those students to provide extra preparation. 

Faulk said the 100% pass rate is a reflection of both the students’ hard work and the intentional support built into the program. 

“These students earned this success,” Faulk said. “They stayed committed through long days, difficult coursework, clinical rotations and the pressure that comes with preparing for licensure. Our faculty are intentional about supporting students from the beginning of the program through NCLEX preparation, and it is rewarding to see that work pay off.” 

For many students, practical nursing is also a strong starting point for a long-term career in healthcare. SCC’s program prepares graduates to enter the workforce as licensed practical nurses while also creating a pathway for those who want to continue their education and become registered nurses. 

“Practical nursing can be a great first step for students who want to begin working in healthcare and continue growing in the nursing profession,” Faulk said. “With SCC’s LPN to ADN HyFlex option, students can begin as licensed practical nurses and later take the next step toward becoming registered nurses.” 

Applications are now open for SCC’s Spring 2027 Practical Nursing program. The program prepares students to provide compassionate care for patients of all ages through hands-on training, clinical experience and expert instruction. Applications are due by June 22, 2026. 

Interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse at SCC? Contact Renee Long at 910-788-6241 to learn more about registration, classes and the application process. Click here to apply for SCC’s Spring 2027 Practical Nursing Program.