Hybrid Nursing Program Achieves 100% NCLEX Pass Rate
A cohort in William Carey University's hybrid LPN-to-BSN program achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX licensure exam for the second consecutive time. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of hybrid and competency-based educational models. Such models are becoming increasingly relevant in advanced practice nursing, including midwifery.
- The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is promoting a shift toward competency-based education in nursing programs nationwide to better align academic training with the real-world demands of the healthcare industry. This educational model focuses on a student's mastery of specific skills and knowledge, assessed through various methods over time, rather than just completing course credits. - The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 35% growth in employment for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners between 2024 and 2034, a rate significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This projection anticipates approximately 32,700 job openings for these roles each year on average over the decade. - In Virginia, recent legislation (HB1923) established insurance reimbursement parity for Licensed Certified Midwives and Licensed Midwives, ensuring they are reimbursed at 100% of the fee schedule for their services, similar to Certified Nurse-Midwives. This legislative change, which took effect on July 1, 2025, is intended to expand maternal care options and address provider shortages, particularly in underserved and rural areas. - To further address barriers to midwifery care, Virginia lawmakers are considering the creation of a task force to examine the scope of practice for midwives and ensure they can fully utilize their training. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve access to maternal healthcare in areas of the state with limited hospital access. - Digital health platforms are increasingly being integrated into maternal care to provide remote monitoring, enhance access to information, and facilitate real-time communication between patients and providers. Platforms like PowerMom and Babyscripts collect data through app-based surveys, wearable devices, and electronic health records to offer a more comprehensive view of maternal health than traditional episodic clinic visits. - Evidence-based practices in childbirth, such as continuous labor support from a doula, encouraging movement and upright positions during labor, and comprehensive childbirth education, have been shown to improve birth outcomes. These practices are associated with shorter labors, lower rates of cesarean sections, and increased patient satisfaction. - The national first-time pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam for U.S.-educated candidates was 87.1% as of November 1, 2025. The pass rate for all NCLEX-RN candidates, including repeat and internationally educated test-takers, was around 70-71% in late 2025.
