- Tennessee Consistently Outperformed the National Average
- Tennessee’s RN pass rates remained above the national average every year from 2020–2024.
- The five-year average for Tennessee was 90.5%, compared to 86.1% nationally, a sustained 4.4% advantage.
2. Pandemic Impact and Recovery
- Both Tennessee and national pass rates declined in 2021–2022, reflecting widespread disruptions in nursing education and testing due to COVID-19.
- Tennessee’s decline was less severe, showing stronger program resilience and adaptability.
3. Significant Rebound in 2023–2024
- Tennessee’s RN pass rate rose sharply to 93.2% in 2023 and reached a five-year high of 94.9% in 2024.
- The 2024 pass rate exceeded the national rate (91.2%) by nearly 4 percentage points, demonstrating exceptional recovery and preparation efforts statewide.
4. Implications for Nursing Education and Workforce
- The strong rebound suggests effective NCLEX preparation initiatives, faculty development, and clinical support partnerships.
- These outcomes position Tennessee’s RN programs as leaders in educational quality and workforce readiness.
