Graduates in SOWELA’s Practical Nursing Program Scored Higher than the National Pass Rate Average
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA — SOWELA Technical Community College’s most recent Practical Nursing cohorts at all four Southwest Louisiana locations achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN exam, exceeding the national pass rate average of 67.46%. This achievement demonstrates the high-quality instruction and training available at SOWELA from both a faculty and learning environment perspective.
“We are very proud of this achievement, not only for the students that achieved this, but also for the faculty that teach in each of those programs,” said School of Nursing and Allied Health Dean Kristine Stout. “Our Practical Nursing program is very rigorous, and this plays a big role in our students’ success on the NCLEX exams.”
The NCLEX-PN is the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses. The test is required for practical nursing graduates to successfully be licensed as LPNs in the U.S.
SOWELA’s Practical Nursing program consists of both classroom instruction and supervised clinicals in accredited hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care agencies. The nursing program incorporates concepts of holistic nursing, hierarchy of needs, stress and adaptation, creative problem-solving and psychosocial development. The program is available at all SOWELA locations in Lake Charles, Jennings, Oakdale and Leesville.
SOWELA is currently enrolling for the Practical Nursing (LPN) program at the Main Campus in Lake Charles and at the Lamar Salter site in Leesville, LA. Registration for Summer and Fall 2026 opens Monday, March 30, but students can apply to the College now at www.sowela.edu/practical-nursing/. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.