MONTGOMERY, W.Va. — A not-so-good graduation rate for WVU Tech’s nursing program has resulted in closer scrutiny.
Last month West Virginia University received re-accreditation. However, the Higher Learning Commission made it clear the Tech RN program in Montgomery was floundering. After the passage rate for nursing students recently dipped to 81 percent, HLC president Barbara Gellman-Danley called that “unacceptable,” considering the national passage average is 90 percent.
WVU President E. Gordon Gee assured the commission Tech’s program would be monitored closely.
Jen Wood-Cunningham, Tech’s spokesperson, stressed the school maintains a mission for all its students: “Ensuring that students are getting lots of one-on-one support and support from faculty and staff to make sure they’re successful in their program.”
Before the HLC’s finding, Tech began creating a more hands-on experience for its nursing students, entering a new partnership with Montgomery General Hospital last month. The medical center is located just a couple blocks away from the university.
“All students from the beginning will be training in the hospital facility, getting extra hands-on training,” said Wood-Cunningham.
The program coordinators have also reassessed their curriculum to make sure Tech is meeting all standards.
In 2012, the passage rate for RN students at Tech was at 93 percent. Wood-Cunningham said she can’t account for the drop to 81 percent in 2013, only that the school is determined to educate, train and graduate the most qualified nurses possible.
The HLC will be checking back in with Tech to monitor progress. Tech’s nursing program currently has about 70 students enrolled after 26 RNs graduated last spring.