Nursing programs at two Chattanooga colleges were recently ranked in the top five nursing programs in Tennessee in their respective categories, according to lists from the Nursing Schools Almanac.
Chattanooga State Community College's associate's degree in nursing program ranked first this year among associate's degree programs, while the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing ranked fourth among bachelor's degree programs.
The Nursing Schools Almanac ranks nursing programs by degree type and by state, with lists for associate's degrees in nursing, pre-licensure bachelor of science in nursing degrees and licensed practical nursing programs.
The ranks depend on performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Chattanooga State's pass rate on the exam among first-time test-takers averages 96.2% over the past 10 years, according to Nursing Schools Almanac, while UTC's pass rate is 96.3% for the same time period.
Martina Harris, assistant dean and nursing program director of the Nursing and Allied Health division at Chattanooga State, told the Times Free Press in a Wednesday email that she was proud and elated when she found out the school's ranking on the list.
Harris said the Chattanooga State program has "consistently scored above 92%" on the licensure examination since its inception in 1985.
"I feel this is a reflection on the quality of instruction from the faculty to ensure our graduates are prepared to enter the nursing workforce," she said.
Chris Smith, UTC School of Nursing director, said in a Wednesday email to the Times Free Press that she was proud to see the work of both students and faculty recognized.
"I think our program is student-centered. We have high expectations of our students, and they have excellent clinic placements, which cements their knowledge gained in the classroom," Smith said.
Both Harris and Smith said that modifications to instruction were made early in the pandemic, including virtual simulations instead of placements at clinical facilities, but that enrollment in the programs has remained steady during the pandemic.
Contact Anika Chaturvedi at achaturvedi@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592.