The future is bright for the 2025 graduates of the University of Detroit Mercy Nursing (UDM) program at Aquinas College. This past spring, 100% of these graduates passed the (NCLEX) on their first attempt. This standardized test is required in the United States for those seeking licensure to practice safe, entry-level nursing, and this year鈥檚 graduates have already washed their hands of it and donned their scrubs.
鈥淥ur NCLEX pass rates have always been above the state and national average. We have had years with only one student who had to re-take the NCLEX, but this is our first time in our 25-year history at Aquinas College that we have had a 100% first attempt NCLEX pass rate. Our program is rigorous, but with our goal for students to be successful, we prepare the nursing students to pass the NCLEX throughout their nursing education,鈥� expressed Dr. Suzanne Keep, Prelicensure BSN Site Program Director.
About the Program
The UDM direct admit nursing program, in collaboration with Aquinas College and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, offers a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This unique partnership allows students to benefit from a liberal arts education, helping them to develop a diverse skillset while still pursuing their nursing aspirations.
All nursing classes are taught by experienced UDM faculty, with the entire program based in Grand Rapids. Students gain clinical nursing experience at Trinity Health Grand Rapids and several other leading facilities across the city. And back at home, they benefit from Aquinas鈥� state-of-the-art Albertus Magnus Hall of Science, campus life activities and support services, and of course, the renowned scenic wooded campus, located just a few short minutes from downtown.
In addition to the excellent test scores, 100% of our graduates are employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation, year after year.
鈥淚t brings us great joy and satisfaction to witness the nursing students evolve from freshmen to confidently leading their final immersion clinical experience, fully prepared for their professional nursing roles,鈥� said Dr. Keep. 鈥淲e believe our McAuley School of Nursing mission defines who our students become as nurses. Many of the alumni return to become clinical faculty."
Is Nursing in YOUR Future?
High school students seeking entry into this program benefit from .
Typically, students must first be accepted to a college or university, then reapply to the nursing program in their sophomore year. Our simplified process removes that extra step, allowing you to begin the nursing program right from your first day as a freshman with no extra application and no uncertainty.
For questions, contact admissions@aquinas.edu or (616) 632-2923. We鈥檙e happy to help!