University also earns 2025–2026 Nursing College of Distinction recognition
Alvernia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for the second consecutive year, underscoring the program’s commitment to academic excellence and career readiness.
“Our nursing students are prepared not only to succeed in dynamic healthcare settings but to lead with compassion and integrity upon graduation,” said Senior Vice President and Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ed.D. “This recognition and achievement reaffirm the impact of our faculty, curriculum and the student-centered support systems that make up the culture of care at Alvernia.”
The university’s perfect NCLEX-RN pass rate places its nursing graduates among the top in the state and supports growing regional demand for skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals. In addition to this licensure milestone, Alvernia was again recognized by U.S. News & World Report and named a 2025–2026 Nursing College of Distinction for its innovative undergraduate education and holistic approach to nurse preparation.
These achievements follow continued investment in the John and Karen Arnold School of School of Nursing, state-of-the-art simulation facilities and high-impact experiential learning. Additionally, Alvernia is dedicated to addressing the nursing shortage in Pennsylvania through the dual enrollment programs with Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences and the Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing in Pottsville. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Berks Community Health Center and Reading Hospital, Alvernia students are also a part of local initiatives to expand healthcare access in the communities the university serves.
“This remarkable accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication of our nursing faculty and staff, whose commitment to academic excellence and student success continues to set our program apart,” said Dean of the College of Health Sciences Patricia Reger, Ph.D. “Of course, we also want to celebrate our outstanding students, whose perseverance, professionalism, and passion for nursing have once again made us proud. It’s a true testament to the strength and quality of our program and our people.”
To receive the nursing distinction, Colleges of Distinction recognized Alvernia for its faculty expertise, clinical partnerships, liberal arts integration and consistently high mastery rates on national exams. The university was also praised for its emphasis on ethical leadership, interdisciplinary learning and service-based training—hallmarks of its Franciscan core values.
“Alvernia stands out for its commitment to academic rigor, practical experience and whole-person development,” said Tyson Schritter, chief operating officer at Colleges of Distinction. “The program’s excellence will echo far beyond the classroom and into every hospital, clinic or community they serve.”
