News — The University of West Florida School of Nursing topped the state and national averages for 2024, as 97.67% of its graduates passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, known as NCLEX-RN, on their first attempt. UWF graduates earned the second highest percentage passage rate in the State University System of Florida. UWF Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates surpassed the national and state averages for first-time pass rate. For the first two quarters, UWF School of Nursing graduates posted a 100% pass rate. 129 UWF nursing graduates earned their license last year by passing the NCLEX-RN.
“High student success rates don’t happen by chance — they are the result of hard work and educational excellence,” said Dr. David Bellar, dean of the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health. “We are proud to provide an education that equips students with the skills and confidence to excel in their careers and make a lasting impact in healthcare.”
In addition to academic excellence in the classroom, the Usha Kundu, MD College of Health provides experiential learning opportunities for nursing students through several partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare organizations. Nursing students refine their clinical skills in state-of-the-art simulation labs at local Santa Rosa Medical Center and Ascension Sacred Heart facilities. These immersive experiences build students’ confidence, enhance critical thinking, and support the achievement of consistently high NCLEX pass rates.
“The success of our students is a testament to their dedication, the tireless efforts of our faculty, community support from local partnerships, and the strong leadership within the college,” said Renee Davis, who was recently hired as the new director for UWF’s School of Nursing. “Our faculty take pride in providing a rigorous and supportive learning environment which allows our students’ hard work and determination to shine. It’s their commitment that ultimately drives their success.”
The need for skilled nurses is expected to increase over the next decade. The registered nursing shortage in Florida is projected to go from 11,500 to 37,400 RNs by 2035 based on data from the commissioned by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
For more information about the UWF School of Nursing, visit .
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