Waterbury, Conn. – The Nursing Program at Naugatuck Valley Community College is well known locally for producing top- quality nurses, and now there are some big statistics available to back it up.

According to the most recent report by the National Council of State Boards for Nursing, 97% of Naugatuck Valley Community College nursing students passed their NCLEX-RN licensing exam between April and September 2013, making the program the most successful in the state and placing it in the top 5% nationally. Connecticut currently offers 21 associate, baccalaureate and master’s-level nursing programs.

"We have been delighted and proud that many NVCC nursing graduates have joined our team at Waterbury Hospital," said Darlene Stromstad, FACHE, President/CEO, Greater Waterbury Health Network. "You can always tell an NVCC graduate—they are well-prepared, motivated to make a difference, and bring a strong desire to contribute to the healthcare of the people in our community. Because of their commitment and training at the Hospital, NVCC graduates make a smooth transition into our organization. And, best of all, we truly enjoy the NVCC students’ enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge—it makes us all stay at the top of our game."

The historic pass-rate this year comes at the same time the program graduated 97 potential nurses, the most in he College’s history.  According to the College’s Office of Institutional Research, approximately 95% of nursing program graduates secure employment in the state of Connecticut after passing the licensure exam.

“We made history this year with 97 graduates and now we have a pass rate to match it,” said Eileen George, MSN, director of Allied Health, Nursing and Physical Education. “Our nursing students are told at freshman orientation - and many times thereafter by faculty - that we expect them to be successful. We want the expectation of success to become ingrained early.”

The Nursing program prides itself on a number of initiatives geared toward retention and graduation, including learning communities/cohorts, frequent feedback and assessment, review and intervention, and an established culture of expectation.

“These results are a testament to the high standards the faculty uphold, supported by caring and efficacious pedagogy,” said President Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D.

For more information on NVCC Nursing and the reports cited in this article, contact Eileen George, director, at 203-596-8659 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.nv.edu/nursing.