The UWM School of Nursing is proud to announce another year of outstanding success on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. In 2024, 270 students from our undergraduate nursing programs, including those at UWM’s Milwaukee campus, UW-Parkside, Waukesha, and the Direct Entry MN program, took the NCLEX in Wisconsin and achieved an impressive 95.93% pass rate. When we look at those numbers broken down by each location/program, this is what they look like:
- UWM Main Campus: 98.4%
- UWM at Waukesha: 100%
- UW-Parkside: 93.9%
- Direct Entry MN program: 90.9%
This builds on our strong 2023 performance, where 302 students took the exam and passed at a rate of 95.03%. These exceptional outcomes are more than numbers, they’re a reflection of the rigor, consistency, and care that define our nursing education.
What Is the NCLEX, and Why Does It Matter?
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standardized exam that every aspiring registered nurse must pass to obtain licensure and begin professional practice in the U.S. Administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the NCLEX assesses a graduate’s ability to apply knowledge and make safe clinical judgments in real-world healthcare settings.
A high pass rate not only reflects individual student preparedness, it also serves as a national benchmark for nursing program quality. Employers and accrediting bodies look to NCLEX outcomes as a key indicator of whether a school is equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver safe, effective care.
What Drives Our Success?
We believe our consistently high NCLEX pass rates are the result of a strategic, student-centered approach that includes:
- Dedicated Faculty and Staff
Our educators bring a depth of clinical experience and a shared commitment to student success. They support, challenge, and guide future nurses at every step. - Consistency Across Campuses and Courses
We maintain uniform academic standards across all undergraduate program sites, from Milwaukee to Waukesha to UW-Parkside. Whether students are in clinical groups or theory-based lectures, they benefit from a cohesive and well-aligned curriculum. - Evidence-Based Student Support
Tools like the ATI (Assessment Technologies Institute) platform and our NCLEX Success Coordinator role have been fully integrated into the BS and MN programs. These resources help students build test-taking strategies, reinforce knowledge, and reduce anxiety—contributing directly to stronger performance on the licensure exam.
As we celebrate the achievements of our students and faculty, we remain focused on continual improvement. The NCLEX pass rate is a milestone, but it’s also a motivator, pushing us to keep innovating and investing in our students’ futures.
To all the future nurses considering UWM: If you’re looking for a program with proven results, dedicated faculty, and a strong reputation, we’d love to support you on your journey.
Want to learn more about our undergraduate or direct entry nursing programs? Explore UWM School of Nursing programs or contact us.