(Feb. 25,  2011) – Future nurses, radiologic technologists, occupational therapists, pharmacy technologists, veterinarian technicians, firefighters, police officers and dental hygienists at Lone Star College System are making waves with their test scores – 100 percent of them passing – on national and state board exams. 

Many degree programs offered at Lone Star Colleges require students to pass licensure exams following graduation to receive certification from state boards and to gain employment. LSCS students have consistently scored high on qualifying exams.

But in many programs at Lone Star College, every student that takes a qualifying exam passes it, for a 100-percent pass rate, allowing the students to find successful careers in hospitals, doctor’s offices, veterinary clinics, pharmacies, dental offices, police departments and more throughout the state of Texas.

For example, at LSC-Kingwood, 100 percent of the dental hygiene students passed their National Board Dental Hygiene Exam and the Western Region Clinical Board Exams – for the fifth consecutive year.

At LSC-North Harris, 100 percent of recent graduates of the law enforcement academy passed their state qualifying tests. Same goes for nursing students at LSC-Tomball – 100 percent passed the state licensing exams again this last year.

“The success in achieving a 100-percent pass rate on a program is a testament to the rigor of our program and the quality of instruction delivered by dedicated and committed faculty,” said Dr. Donetta Goodall, vice chancellor of academic affairs and student success at LSCS. “We are proud to say we have this success at all five colleges and in several programs.”

Jonathon Holland, a recent graduate of the LSC-Kingwood dental hygienist program, cites the high level of professionalism among the instructors.

“The fact that LSC-Kingwood consistently has a 100-percent pass rate with each class and continues to improve the average score overall, truly demonstrates the dedication of the instructors and directors to maintain an unsurpassed standard of excellence,” Holland said. “I can proudly say I am glad to be a graduate from such a great program and would recommend anyone looking to begin a great career at a great place to apply to the program.”

Another example of the 100-percent pass rates can be seen in the results of the radiologic technology program at LSC-Montgomery. Since the program began in 2003, six of the seven graduating classes have seen a 100-percent pass rate of state exams on the first pass, setting a cumulative first-attempt pass rate average at 99.3 percent.

"Our graduates go on to do amazing and wonderful things with their careers and futures," said Melanie Hail, associate professor of radiologic technology at LSC-Montgomery. "Many are already working in the field at area hospitals or clinics … others are continuing their education with a bachelor's degree.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a huge demand in the healthcare industry – including employment of registered nurses – and the industry is expected to grow much faster than the average through 2018. In fact, the need for registered nurses is projected to generate more than 581,000 new jobs, among the largest number of new jobs for any occupation.

Because of anticipated demand, vocational nursing and nursing programs are offered at all five Lone Star Colleges.

Other health care programs like medical radiologic technology, occupational therapy assistant, pharmacy technology, surgical technology, veterinary technology and dental hygiene assistants are also offered at LSCS. In fact, more than 65 percent of workers in health occupations get training from community colleges like Lone Star College.

Goodall mentioned that several other programs system wide also have 90 percent or higher pass rates for students taking their state board exams, including cosmetology and surgical technology.

Catherine Wampler, director of the nursing program at LSC-Tomball, indicated that the state of Texas recognizes the achievements of Lone Star College and its students.

“For associate degree and vocational nursing, we receive commendations from the Texas Board of Nursing for pass rates of greater than 90 percent consistently each year,” said Wampler.

With more than 69,000 students in credit classes for spring 2011, and a total enrollment of more than 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.

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