If you’re a Saint Louis University nursing student, it’s difficult to fail.

The SLU School of Nursing recently reported that 98 percent of the May 2001 graduates passed their state board exams on the first try. The pass rate of SLU graduates surpasses both the national and state averages, 84 percent and 85 percent, respectively.

The 2001 pass rate is an improvement from the 2000 pass rate of 92.5 percent.

According to Margie Edle, dean of bachelors and masters programs in the school of nursing, the pass rate has been going up each year for the past three years.

Edle credits the increase in pass rate to a revised curriculum that has been in effect for a few years and to an increased effort to prepare the students for their exams.

“Instructors are more conscious of working with struggling students, and students are prepared a little more than in the past,” said Edle.

The School of Nursing has also instituted a review program that takes place in May at the end of the nursing program.

The program gives students an opportunity to practice answering the types of questions that will appear on the actual exam.

“It’s definitely encouraging that the School of Nursing is preparing us that well. Wow, 98 percent. That’s great,” said Katie Alexander, a junior in the School of Nursing.

The board exams are one of many steps nursing students take in achieving their professional ambitions.

According to Edle, high pass rates solidify the credibility of the SLU School of Nursing.

“It is always in [student’s] favor to say they are a graduate of Saint Louis University. Many hospitals who know SLU prefer SLU graduates,” said Edle.

The School of Nursing has two types of bachelor programs for students interested in nursing.

The first type of program is a more traditional, four-year program for freshmen and transfer students.

The second program is an accelerated program for students who already have a bachelors of arts or science or Saint Louis University students who have not declared a major but have completed all their general credits.

The accelerated program takes place over a duration of 12 calendar months from May to May.

According to Edle, the pass rate of the graduates of the accelerate program has been 100 percent for years.