GOLDSBORO, N.C. – Wayne Community College’s Allied Health programs have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, with both the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) and Dental Hygiene programs’ 2025 graduating classes achieving 100% pass rates on their respective licensing examinations.

Nursing Program Surpasses National Average

The ADN program’s 29 graduates successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on their first attempt. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the national passing average for the NCLEX-RN stands at 81%, while North Carolina nursing programs are required to maintain pass rates at 90% or higher of the national average.

The NCLEX-RN, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), challenges students with a minimum of 85 questions featuring real-world case studies designed to assess critical thinking and decision-making abilities essential for nursing practice.

“A 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate is the result of the dedicated WCC nursing faculty who inspire, mentor, and challenge students to excel, combined with the unwavering commitment and hard work of our students who strive every day to turn knowledge into compassionate, safe practice,” said Michelle Garon, WCC Nursing Department Chair.

This marks the first time since 2020 that WCC’s ADN class has achieved a perfect pass rate.

Dental Hygiene Program Maintains Excellence

The Dental Hygiene program’s 20 graduates also achieved a 100% pass rate, successfully completing multiple comprehensive examinations including clinical board exams, national board exams, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and state law examinations.

The clinical American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) exam, administered by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments, Western Regional Examining Board, and Council of Interstate Testing Agencies, Inc. (CDCA-WREB-CITA), required students to demonstrate hands-on techniques involving calculus removal and periodontal probing on mannequins.

Students also completed the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, administered by the American Dental Association, which consists of 350 questions including 200 discipline-based questions and a 150-question component covering 12-15 case patients. The OSCE component measures diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical judgment skills.

Building on Previous Success

The 2025 Dental Hygiene class maintained the program’s momentum from the previous year, when the 2024 class also achieved a 100% pass rate.

“The class of 2025 had some big shoes to fill after last year’s standout success, and they rose to the challenge,” said Susan Smith, WCC Dental Department Chair. “With pressure high and expectations even higher, they showed incredible determination and grit during board exam season.”

Path to Professional Practice

Upon completing their examinations, graduates must apply for state licensure, which includes fingerprinting, background checks, and additional law examinations testing understanding of dental regulations and allowable functions. The North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners handles the licensing process for dental hygienists.

“We are incredibly proud of how hard these students worked and how they supported one another throughout the process,” Smith added.

Program Structure and Preparation

Both WCC’s ADN and Dental Hygiene programs combine classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for their healthcare careers.

The college’s Allied Health programs continue to demonstrate their commitment to preparing highly qualified healthcare professionals for the region’s medical and dental communities.