Muskingum News

Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) made a scheduled stop in New Concord to present a proclamation to Muskingum University’s Nursing Department on achieving a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for the class of 2020. This marks the fifth consecutive year students in the #1 rated nursing program in Ohio* reached a 100% NCLEX pass rate on their first attempt.

According to one section of the proclamation issued on behalf of the members of the Senate of the 133rd General Assembly of Ohio: “Quality education is vital to the well-being of the medical profession, and as we attempt to keep pace with the latest advances in health care technology, the demands placed upon our schools of medicine rapidly increase. The Muskingum University Nursing Program has consistently and effectively met these demands, and all those associated with the institution are deserving of high praise.”

In his remarks to the socially-distanced group of attendees, Sen. Schaffer echoed this sentiment.

“As the demand for qualified nurses continues to rise you’re filling an incredible need in healthcare and I applaud you for accepting that challenge,” Senator Schaffer said. “I see a lot of great institutions as I travel in the district and Muskingum is certainly one of those that rises to the top in every regard.”

Dr. Cynthia Wilkins, director and chair of Nursing programs at Muskingum University, respectfully accepted the recognition. “I am honored to accept this (proclamation) on behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and administration at Muskingum University,” Dr. Wilkins said. “We believe we are graduating exceptional nurses who are positively impacting the world, and I would like to thank Senator Schaffer for recognizing our department. It’s a very humbling experience for all of us.” 

Closing out the ceremony, Muskingum University President Dr. Susan Hasseler highlighted the importance of collaboration with our elected officials. 

“As we celebrate our nursing department and what it does for our present and our future, I also want to celebrate the Ohio legislature and all the work it does on our behalf,” President Hasseler said. "I would also like to celebrate our wonderful partnership with Senator Schaffer who has been an excellent advocate for this University. When we all come together we can have an enormous impact on this region.” 

Muskingum offers three nursing programs – a bachelor’s degree program for traditional prelicensure students; an online RN to BSN program for current registered nurses wishing to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing; and an accelerated post baccalaureate BSN program that was launched this fall.