Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
Amid the nation’s increasing demand for skilled health care professionals, South Texas College Associate Degree in Nursing Program continues to set the standard for nursing education, leading the state of Texas with a 98.14% passing rate on the 2024 National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Preliminary results place STC ahead of both community colleges and universities statewide, including the University of Texas at Austin (92.38%) and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (92.14%).
With the national NCLEX average at 88% in 2023, and the state average at 92%, STC’s performance significantly exceeds expectations.
“What an incredible achievement. We have always known that our nursing program is rigorous and exceptional because of its significant impact on our community. We are one of the states’ largest producers of nurses” said STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D. “Achievements like this, that place STC and the Rio Grande Valley in first place across Texas, are truly outstanding. We are incredibly excited and proud.”
This accomplishment is especially significant this year, as the NCLEX-RN, a standardized exam developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, underwent major updates in 2023, which were fully implemented in 2024 as part of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) initiative.
These changes were designed to increase the difficulty and complexity of the exam, reflecting real-world clinical scenarios that require higher cognitive abilities, including critical thinking, clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
“We graduate hundreds of nurses each year, and that wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated faculty, who are truly making a difference,” Solis added. “But we also want to thank our clinical partners, who give our students the extraordinary opportunity to gain hands-on experience, as well as the city of McAllen and Hidalgo County, which have generously donated millions over the years for scholarships to support the success of these future nurses.”
Last year, between the Associate Degree in Nursing and Vocational Nursing programs, STC graduated over 350 nurses now stepping onto the frontlines of health care in one of the most in-demand and vital fields.
“As a proud partner of STC, Rio Grande Regional Hospital celebrates this incredible achievement,” expressed Rio Grande Regional Hospital Chief Executive Officer Laura Disque, MSN. “STC’s outstanding pass rates reflect the dedication and excellence of its nursing program, ensuring a strong pipeline of highly skilled nurses who will play a vital role in the future of health care in the RGV.”
Similarly, DHR Health Senior Vice President for Education & Career Development, Nori Zapata, applauded STC’s accomplishment and dedication to the nursing education.
“Congratulations STC,” she said. “This outstanding accomplishment reflects the dedication, determination and commitment to equip your nursing students with the clinical knowledge and critical thinking abilities they need to be successful in a hospital setting and ultimately ensuring the best care for our patients.”
South Texas Health System (STHS) emphasized that their success is closely tied to the achievements of STC graduates who go on to work at their hospital, highlighting a longstanding and thriving partnership, rooted in a shared commitment to providing exceptional care to those in need.
“Throughout the years, STHS has collaborated closely with STC to prepare their highly skilled nursing students for employment,” said STHS Edinburg Chief Operating Officer Kennetha Foster, MSN. “The success rate of STC’s students on their NCLEX exams is a testament to the college’s commitment to producing high-caliber nurses who are ready to provide quality, compassionate care on day one at our 12 facilities, as well as other facilities throughout the RGV and beyond. Kudos to STC for helping ensure the future of health care.”
In 2022, STC’s Associate Degree in Nursing program was recognized as the largest producer of nurses in Texas and gained national acclaim in 2023 after establishing the first registered nurse apprenticeship approved and registered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
“These results are not just numbers. They reflect our commitment to meeting and exceeding the expectations of our community. Our families deserve to be cared for by experts, and we take seriously our responsibility to prepare compassionate highly skilled nurses who uphold the dignity of every individual,” added STC Nursing and Allied Health Interim Dean Margo Vargas-Ayala, DNP. “It is my honor to lead a team so committed to the profession and to the future of nursing. Together, we continue to raise the bar, ensuring that STC’s legacy of excellence in nursing education remains strong.”
