In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, U.S. hospitals and clinics face ongoing nurse shortages. To meet these staffing needs, many are turning to international nurse recruitment.
One critical requirement for foreign-trained nurses is passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) the official licensing exam that determines whether you can practice as a registered nurse in the United States.
Recent data from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) highlights important trends that every healthcare employer and international nurse should know.
NCLEX Pass Rates: A Declining Trend
Average NCLEX Pass Rates (U.S. Registered Nurses):
- 2023 — 87.8%
- Early 2024 — 79.1%
- Early 2025 — 71.6%
Industry leaders suggest this drop may be connected to the Next-Generation NCLEX format introduced in 2023, which places greater emphasis on critical thinking and real-world clinical judgment.
State-by-State NCLEX Pass Rates
Below is a snapshot of the latest available data from over 2,000 nursing programs across the U.S.
State | Mean NCLEX Pass Rate (%) |
North Dakota 97.8
Nebraska 95.3
Wyoming 95.1
Mississippi 92.9
South Carolina 93.0
Nevada 90.0
Alaska 90.5
Texas 90.5
Georgia 91.7
Delaware 91.4
Indiana 89.8
North Carolina 89.9
Oklahoma 89.6
Illinois 88.4
Minnesota 88.4
Washington 88.4
Ohio 88.5
Montana 88.6
Kentucky 87.8
Michigan 87.5
Iowa 87.1
Missouri 85.3
Oregon 84.5
Idaho 83.6
Virginia 82.3
Arizona 82.4
New Jersey 81.2
Kansas 81.5
West Virginia 79.1
Arkansas 77.2
Data unavailable in several states including California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii.
Implications for International Nurses*
For nurses trained abroad, these figures are more than statistics they are indicators of the preparation needed to succeed. With pass rates falling nationwide, focused test preparation and orientation to U.S. nursing standards are more critical than ever.
Key success strategies for international nurses:
Enroll in NCLEX preparation courses that target the Next-Generation NCLEX format
Participate in U.S. clinical simulation programs to build critical thinking skills
Work with an immigration and licensing expert to streamline your journey into U.S. healthcare
How VisaMadeEZ Helps Healthcare Employers Hire International Nurses
At VisaMadeEZ, we specialize in immigration law for healthcare organizations.
Our services include:
- Work Visa Processing (H-1B, EB-3, TN, and other categories)
- Credential Evaluation Assistance
- Guidance on NCLEX requirements for foreign-trained nurses
- Partnership with hospitals to implement global recruitment strategies
By partnering with VisaMadeEZ, healthcare employers can secure highly qualified nurses to meet patient needs, and international nurses can achieve their dream of practicing in the U.S. confidently and compliantly.
Ready to Hire or Begin Your U.S. Nursing Career?
Whether you’re a healthcare recruiter facing staffing shortages or an international nurse eager to work in America, VisaMadeEZ offers end-to-end recruitment and immigration solutions.
Contact us today: info@visamadeez.com
Visit: http://www.visamadeez.com
