Bowie State Nursing Graduates Achieve 100% First-Time NCLEX-RN Pass Rate

Perfect pass rate places program among Maryland's top performers and helps address critical nursing workforce shortages

Bowie, Md. - Bowie State University is proud to announce that its December 2025 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduating class achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), with all 14 graduates passing the exam on their first attempt. The result places Bowie State among Maryland's top-performing nursing programs.

"This result reflects the rigor of our program and the unwavering commitment of our faculty to student success," said Dr. Monique Alston, chair of the Department of Nursing and associate professor. "Our graduates leave Bowie State with the knowledge, clinical experience and confidence needed to succeed as professional nurses from the outset."

The 100% pass rate underscores the depth of Bowie State's nursing curriculum, the commitment of its faculty and the readiness of its graduates to meet the demands of today's healthcare environment.

"Bowie State's nursing program challenged us to think critically while supporting our growth academically and personally," said Joshua Desvignes '25, a BSN graduate and nurse at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. "Through hands-on clinical experiences and faculty invested in our success, we were fully prepared for the NCLEX. Passing the NCLEX on the first attempt reflects the strong preparation and academic foundation we received at Bowie State."

This achievement aligns with Bowie State University's strategic priorities to advance student success, strengthen academic excellence and expand its impact on workforce development in high-demand fields. By preparing graduates for immediate licensure and practice, the university continues to develop professionals equipped to serve and strengthen communities.

Bowie State's nursing program continues to make a meaningful impact across the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia region, helping to address the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals. The Spring 2026 graduating class included 21 students, each of whom accepted a nursing position before commencement and is preparing to complete the NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Official licensure exam data for fiscal year 2026 will be released by the Maryland Board of Nursing in September.

Bowie State graduates are filling essential roles in hospitals, clinics and community health settings, helping to expand access to care, support regional health systems and contribute to a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce.

The university's nursing program combines classroom instruction, clinical practice and simulation-based training to develop technical expertise and critical thinking skills. The program also emphasizes culturally competent care, leadership and service, key elements in addressing healthcare disparities and improving patient outcomes.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311