Recent graduates of Dalton State College’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Therapy programs achieved 100 percent pass rates on their national licensure exams, College officials have announced.

Eighteen students who graduated from the College’s LPN program during fall semester passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) exam this spring on the first attempt. This marks a 100 percent pass rate for these graduates compared to the national average of 85.72 percent for first-time test takers.

The seventeen Radiologic Technology graduates who recently took their program’s national licensure test, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, also achieved a 100 percent pass rate.

And the eight graduates of the Respiratory Therapy program also passed their national certification tests on the first attempt. The national pass rate for the Registry of Respiratory Therapists (RRT) exam was only 54.99 percent for first-time test takers.

Students enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nursing program take 66 credit hours, which include working in clinical settings, and upon completion of the program they are prepared to deliver nursing care to patients in a variety of settings.

“We are very proud of our graduates last fall for achieving such a high pass rate,” says Dana Trowell, Assistant Professor of Licensed Practical Nursing and Director of the LPN program.

“These are the highest scores achieved by an LPN class as a whole over the past 11 years.”

Those who pursue radiologic technology as a career field choose to complete either a two-year certificate program or take additional courses to complete their associate of applied science degree. Each route consists of a rigorous curriculum that includes classroom training, laboratory practices, and clinical rotations in a variety of radiologic facilities in the northwest Georgia region.

“Our thanks go out to all of the instructors, professors, and staff within the Dalton State community who help prepare these students to enter the Rad Tech program,” says Susan West, Assistant Professor of Radiologic Technology and Chair of the Department of Health Occupations in the School of Technology.

Students enrolled in the respiratory therapy program must complete 91 credit hours toward an associate of applied science degree in the field and participate in clinical rotations in which they intern in hospital settings.

“We are grateful to all of the professors and instructors who work with our students,” says Max Pierce, Director of the Respiratory Therapy program.