Halifax Community College is celebrating the success of its 2026 nursing graduates following strong pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination, an important milestone that prepares graduates to enter the healthcare workforce as licensed nurses.
The HCC Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2026 achieved a 96 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate, while the Practical Nursing Class of 2026 achieved a 94 percent NCLEX-PN pass rate.
The NCLEX is the national examination used to determine whether nursing graduates possess the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment necessary to begin practicing safely and effectively as entry-level nurses.
HCC’s strong results demonstrate that its graduates are well prepared to meet the standards of the nursing profession and transition from the classroom and clinical setting into the workforce.
Strong NCLEX pass rates have an impact that extends beyond individual student achievement. Successful graduates increase the number of licensed nurses available to enter the workforce at a time when qualified healthcare professionals remain essential to meeting the needs of communities across the region and state.
The results also demonstrate that HCC nursing graduates have met the national standard for entry-level nursing knowledge and clinical judgment. Consistently strong performance on the NCLEX helps build confidence in HCC’s nursing programs among healthcare employers, prospective students, families, and the communities the College serves.
“Our students work incredibly hard throughout their nursing education, and these pass rates demonstrate their commitment to becoming knowledgeable, skilled, and compassionate nurses,” said HCC Nursing Program Director Sarah R. Harris. “We are proud to see our graduates reach this important professional milestone and excited to see them begin the next chapter of their careers serving patients and strengthening the healthcare workforce.”
HCC’s nursing programs combine classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, simulation, and hands-on clinical education to prepare students for the demands of professional nursing practice. Through its Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing programs, the College remains committed to providing accessible pathways into healthcare careers while responding to the workforce needs of healthcare providers throughout northeastern North Carolina.
The accomplishments of the 2026 ADN and PN cohorts reflect HCC’s continued commitment to student success, workforce development, and preparing graduates to make an immediate and meaningful impact in their communities.