Columbia State Community College recently celebrated 40 nursing graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center. 

“The pinning was a memorable occasion which offered the opportunity to celebrate our graduates and acknowledge their hard work,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State nursing program director. “The evening culminated with the graduates reciting the Nightingale Pledge as they accepted their solemn responsibility as nurses. A wonderful way to welcome our graduates into the nursing profession.”

Columbia State nursing graduates completed four semesters of classroom instruction and 540 hours of clinical instruction to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing. 

Next, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to earn licensure, which is required to practice as a registered nurse. The most recent data available demonstrate a 98% first-attempt NCLEX pass rate for Columbia State nursing graduates in 2024, as compared to the national average first-attempt pass rate of 90.8% for associate degree nursing graduates the same year.

Nursing students are prepared to provide direct patient care in various areas, including medical, surgical, pediatrics and more. After graduation, these nurses will work in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, schools and home health care.

In 2023, Columbia State's in-field placement rate within 6-12 months of program completion was 99%. 

“These Nursing AAS completers are poised to take on critical patient care roles,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “In the coming months, these graduates will faithfully care for and about patients, making a difference in the healthcare community!”

The Columbia State nursing program is committed to excellence in nursing education. It has received full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. 

Columbia State’s nursing program has a competitive admission process with applicants admitted twice per year. For more information about applying to the program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

View more photos from the event on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/columbiastatecc.