Graduates' Success on Licensure Exam
Graduates’ success on licensure exams is a significant benchmark for any nursing program. Graduates’ success is calculated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) by the number of graduates who are successful on passing the NCLEX-RN on their first attempt.
Graduates' success on licensure exam (NCLEX-RN):
Year |
2019 |
2018 |
2017 |
College of Southern Maryland (CSM) pass rate for NCLEX-RN* |
77.78% |
86.67% |
89.29% |
State average for MBON pass rate for NCLEX-RN |
88.55% |
90.55% |
87.01% |
Required minimum Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) pass rate for NCLEX-RN |
79.15% |
76.52% |
79.03% |
*Pass rates reported by Maryland Board of Nursing are calculated by the fiscal year (July 1- June 30) and combine partial results from two classes. Some takers from states outside of Maryland, may be absent from these results.
Graduate Satisfaction and Employment in Nursing
CSM nursing graduates have the opportunity to provide feedback to the nursing program 6-12 months after completion. Surveys are made available to graduates through email and graduates are encouraged to provide anonymous feedback regarding the nursing program. Results are calculated from those graduates who choose to participate.
Graduate satisfaction is calculated by the response to the following question: Please rate your overall satisfaction with your CSM program: Exceptional, Good, Adequate, Fair, Poor.
Employment in Nursing is calculated by the response to the following question: Are you currently employed as a Registered Nurse? Yes or No.
Some graduates do not seek employment immediately upon graduation due to changing life circumstances, relocation, and/or entering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Master in Science in Nursing (MSN) program upon completion of their Associate degree.
Graduating Class |
Graduate Satisfaction |
Employed in Nursing |
Spring 2019 |
89% |
81% |
Fall 2018 |
89% |
94% |
Spring 2018 |
93% |
93% |
Spring 2017 |
No data available |
93% |
Fall 2016 |
100% |
100% |
Spring 2016 |
No data available |
100% |
Program Completion is calculated at 150% stated program length (4 clinical semesters) for all students enrolled in initial nursing courses. The CSM ADN program offers flexible scheduling and the majority of students choose to attend part time, thus extending their program completion time.
Program entry Year |
Program Completion |
Spring 2015 |
61% |
Fall 2015 |
85% |
Spring 2016 |
69% |
Fall 2016 |
71% |
Spring 2016 |
66% |
Fall 2017 |
73% |
Spring 2018 |
In progress |
Fall 2018 |
In progress |