Lipscomb Accelerated BSN’s inaugural cohort earns 100% first-time NCLEX pass rate
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University’s School of Nursing is celebrating a milestone for its new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program as the inaugural cohort of graduates earned a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
The ABSN’s inaugural cohort composed of Ana Bencomo, Peyton Dowling, Abbey Grogan and Kallie Ogburn, completed the 16-month track in December and have passed the NCLEX on the first attempt. They all stepped directly into nursing roles after graduation.
“This success is the result of the incredible hard work of our nursing faculty and students, and the exceptional leadership of Dr. Ashley Jackson,” said Chelsia Harris, executive director of the School of Nursing. “This is an incredible accomplishment and we are proud of our students.”
Jackson, assistant director of the ABSN program, said the milestone reflects a shared commitment to excellence.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone accomplishment,” said Jackson. “This achievement is the result of both students and faculty alike, striving for excellence and living out their God-given callings every day.”
Lipscomb launched the Accelerated BSN last year to help meet workforce demand in Nashville’s $97 billion health care industry. One of the few programs of its kind in Tennessee, the hybrid-format model is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in another field and want to transition into nursing. Students complete a combination of online coursework and in-person clinical experiences and graduate with a BSN in 16 months.
The NCLEX-RN is a nationwide examination used for the licensing of registered nurses in the United States and Canada.
The accelerated program’s results build on strong outcomes for Lipscomb’s School of Nursing. Earlier this year, the school reported a 100% overall pass rate for 2025 on the NCLEX-RN. Lipscomb’s December 2024 and May 2025 BSN graduating cohorts posted a 97.1% first-time pass rate, and after repeat testers that rate increased to 100%, the university said.
Harris also noted the program’s strong career outcomes, as the program has maintained a 100% job placement rate for the past decade and Lipscomb BSN graduates have routinely surpassed both state and national averages on the NCLEX-RN.