Achievers & Accolades

RCC's practical nursing program achieves 100% pass rate

By Staff Report, posted 4 months ago
Photo provided by RCC

The practical nursing program at Robeson Community College has achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-PN, which is a requirement to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.  

“This is fantastic news!” stated Dr. Johnny Smith, the Vice President of Instruction and Chief Academic Officer at Robeson Community College, in an email. “Congratulations to Dr. Marie Hedgpeth and our entire nursing faculty, staff and students for this monumental achievement!! Exceptional job!!” 

Sixteen students completed the program in December 2024, officially graduating through a pinning ceremony held at the college before winter break.  

Chelsey Sierra Bullard, Meagan Butler, Noemy Castrejon-Castrejon, Ashley Womack Bullard, Alyssa G Chavis, Joshua M Hunt, Sarah Elizabeth Leviere, Tomasita Lopez Tapia, Mia Evona Lowry, Shytazia Koreen McEachern, Layah Elena Oxendine, Barikatou Ouro Takpara, Beverly Ann Todd, Abbigail Alois Windom, Morgan Winfree Hunt, and Morgan Kathleen Young, all successfully completed the program with a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN.  

“We’ve recently been awarded full accreditation by the North Carolina Board of Nursing,” stated Dr.  Marie Hedgpeth, the director of nursing programs at RCC, in a press release. “Soon we will be seeking NLN CNEA accreditation… we are committed to 100% pass rate and 100% employment rates, and many of our graduates gain employment and accept positions before they even complete the program.” 

Robeson Community College has been training future nurses for more than 40 years and continues to celebrate excellence in education with the practical nursing program ranking in the top 10 of nursing programs since 2012. 

“We are extremely proud of the success of our practical nursing program and graduates,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler in a press release. “Our instructors and program directors continue to raise the bar, ensuring the highest quality of instruction within our nursing and health science programs, making our programs highly competitive and sought after by students in our region.” 

To learn more about the practical nursing program at Robeson Community College, visit https://www.robeson.edu/healthsci/pn/ and get started on your application packet for admission into the next cohort, which begins January 2026.

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