HBCU Excellence: Bowie State Nursing Graduates Earn Perfect First-Time NCLEX Pass Rate

Bowie State University’s nursing program has achieved a significant milestone. All members of its December 2025 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduating class passed the NCLEX-RN licensure exam on their first attempt.

This accomplishment gives Bowie State’s December 2025 BSN cohort a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. All 14 graduates successfully passed the national licensing exam required for registered nurses in the United States. The university announced this result on July 1, 2026. It called it an important indicator of academic quality, clinical preparation, and readiness for the workforce.

For Maryland’s first Historically Black College and University, this result is more than just an academic victory. It highlights HBCU excellence in healthcare education, the significance of culturally responsive training, and the growing role of Black institutions in preparing the next generation of nurses for a healthcare system facing challenges. Bowie State, founded in 1865, is the first HBCU in Maryland and one of the ten oldest HBCUs in the country.

What Happened at Bowie State?

Bowie State’s Department of Nursing confirmed that all 14 graduates from the December 2025 BSN cohort passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, or NCLEX-RN, on their first attempt. This perfect outcome positions the program among the top nursing programs in Maryland for this cycle.

Dr. Monique Alston, chair of Bowie State’s Department of Nursing and associate professor, stated that the result reflects the rigor of the program. She highlighted faculty commitment and student preparation as key factors in the cohort’s success.

This achievement also builds on recent improvements in Bowie State’s NCLEX performance. The university’s nursing accreditation page shows first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates of 83.33% in academic year 2023, 85.71% in 2024, and 95.00% in 2025, indicating a steady increase leading up to the December 2025 cohort’s perfect result.

Why the NCLEX-RN Pass Rate Matters

The NCLEX-RN is a critical step into professional nursing practice. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, candidates usually need to graduate from an approved nursing program, fulfill state board requirements, and pass the NCLEX before they can work as licensed nurses. NCSBN also notes that NCLEX pass rates are a strong indicator of how many new nurses join the workforce in the U.S.

This makes Bowie State’s 100% first-time pass rate particularly significant. A first-time pass means graduates don’t have to spend extra months retesting, which can delay their job start.

• For students, this can lead to a quicker entry into the profession.
• For hospitals and healthcare systems, it means a faster influx of qualified nurses.
• For families and communities, it results in more trained professionals available to deliver care.

The NCLEX itself is not a mere graduation formality. NCSBN describes the exam as a valid licensing assessment that employs computerized adaptive testing to evaluate nursing competence. The Next Generation NCLEX, introduced on April 1, 2023, aims to better assess clinical judgment and decision-making skills, which are increasingly necessary for newly licensed nurses in complex patient care environments.

A Program Built on Practice, Technology, and Cultural Competence

Bowie State’s nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, with the latest ACEN decision being a continuation of accreditation. The BSN program combines classroom learning, clinical practice, simulation training, leadership development, and preparation for providing culturally competent care.

This structure matters because nursing education is expected to equip graduates not only to pass exams but also to enter healthcare settings prepared to think critically under pressure.

Bowie State emphasizes that its nursing program utilizes a modern simulation lab and community-based clinical placements to help students transition from theory to patient care. The program also focuses on technology, evidence-based care, ethics, leadership, social determinants of health, and service to diverse communities.

Graduate Joshua Desvignes, now working at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, credited the program with encouraging students to think critically rather than just memorize information. He pointed out that Bowie State’s nursing program “challenged us to think critically,” and that faculty support and clinical experience prepared the cohort for the NCLEX.

HBCU Excellence in a High-Demand Field

Bowie State’s achievement comes at a crucial moment for the nursing profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment of registered nurses to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all jobs. BLS also predicts about 189,100 openings for registered nurses annually over the next decade due to retirements and workforce exits.

The Health Resources and Services Administration anticipates nursing shortages, including an expected shortfall of 108,960 registered nurses, with even larger shortages anticipated in rural areas.

In this context, Bowie State’s result is not just a local success. It fits into a larger workforce narrative. HBCUs have consistently been sources of opportunity, producing professionals who enter fields where representation, access, and community trust are essential. In nursing, this role is particularly important because culturally competent care can influence patient communication, trust, and outcomes.

Bowie State’s nursing program states that increasing the number of qualified people of color in nursing is one of its key commitments. This mission places the NCLEX result within a broader conversation about equity: who is trained, who joins the healthcare workforce, and which communities benefit when HBCU graduates enter professional care roles.

What Comes Next for Bowie State Nursing?

The December 2025 cohort’s 100% first-time pass rate may also create momentum for the upcoming class. Bowie State reported that all 21 members of its Spring 2026 nursing graduating class accepted nursing positions before graduation and were preparing to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Official fiscal year 2026 licensure exam data from the Maryland Board of Nursing is expected in September 2026.

This employment detail is significant. It indicates that Bowie State’s nursing pipeline is not just producing graduates but also integrating them into the workforce before they even graduate. In an industry where staffing shortages impact patient care, this level of job readiness is very meaningful.

Bowie State’s broader academic reputation is also on the rise. The university received the “Research College and University” designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification and offers over 65 bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs across various fields, including arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare, and related areas.

Why This Achievement Matters

Bowie State’s perfect first-time NCLEX pass rate reflects preparation, perseverance, and institutional purpose. It demonstrates what can happen when students receive strong instruction, clinical experience, faculty support, and an education grounded in service.

• For the 14 graduates, this result opens the door to professional practice.
• For Bowie State, it enhances the university’s reputation as a significant producer of healthcare talent.
• For the HBCU community, it provides a clear example of how academic excellence meets real-world needs.

At a time when the country needs more skilled nurses, Bowie State’s nursing graduates have shown that they are trained, tested, licensed, and ready to serve.

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