Columbia State Community College recently celebrated 43 nursing graduates in a pinning ceremony in the Webster Athletic Center.

“The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition which allows faculty to welcome our graduates into the profession of nursing,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State nursing program director. “The evening was a memorable event for all who attended.”

Columbia State nursing graduates completed four semesters of classroom instruction and 540 hours of clinical instruction to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing.

Next, graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination in order to earn licensure, which is required to practice as a registered nurse. The most recent data available demonstrate a 94.8% first-attempt NCLEX pass rate for Columbia State nursing graduates in 2025, as compared to the national average first-attempt pass rate of 87.5% for associate degree nursing graduates the same year.

Nursing students are prepared to provide direct patient care in various areas, including medical, surgical, pediatrics and more. After graduation, these nurses will work in various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, schools and home health care.

In 2023, Columbia State's in-field placement rate within 6-12 months of program completion was 99%.

“Nursing school is about much more than mastery of facts and successful checkoffs,” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division. “These graduates are equipped with the ability to learn continuously, a priceless skill for RNs and patients and families!”

The Columbia State nursing program is committed to excellence in nursing education. It has received full approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Columbia State’s nursing program has a competitive admission process with applicants admitted twice per year. For more information about applying to the program, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.

View more photos from the event on Flickr at https://www.flickr.com/photos/columbiastatecc.