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Northwest Mississippi Community College nursing students ace test, but can they fix bigger problem?

By , Daily Memphian Updated: August 25, 2025 5:59 AM CT | Published: August 25, 2025 4:00 AM CT

Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Practical Nursing program has achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate for three consecutive years, an accomplishment in stark contrast to the persistent and widespread nursing shortage across the state.

According to program leaders, the program’s success is the direct result of a willingness to make difficult choices about curriculum and instruction. NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination, a standardized test used to determine the knowledge of nurses before a license is issued.

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Northwest Community College nursing shortage Baptist Memorial Hospital DeSoto Subscriber Only

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Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone Jr. is a Bluff City native who has earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU’s Manship School. He’s written for publications including The (Baton Rouge) Advocate and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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