Polk County Higher Education Programs Boast Excellent Licensure Pass Rates Across the Board
As licensure and certification examination results are reported for the 2025 academic year, Polk County’s higher education institutions continue to demonstrate strong student achievement across a variety of disciplines. Information shared by Polk State College, Florida Southern College, Southeastern University, Keiser University, and Webber International University reflects consistently strong pass rates, including 100% pass rates on several examinations.
These outcomes are important not only for students and institutions, but also for Polk County’s workforce. Graduates enter healthcare, education, and other high-demand fields with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to begin their careers and contribute to the region’s continued growth.
Polk State College
In July, Polk State College announced a significant milestone: 100% licensure pass rates for all seven of its Health Sciences and Nursing degree programs. According to a college press release, “This accomplishment underscores the excellence of the College’s instructors, curriculum, and hands-on training that prepare students to successfully meet Polk County’s growing healthcare demands.”
The achievement comes as Polk State expands its capacity to educate students for healthcare careers. The Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus will open in January and allow for the expansion of programs to train even more healthcare professionals. It will also debut Central Florida’s first public higher education interdisciplinary simulation hospital – a state-of-the-art training environment designed to prepare students for real-world clinical scenarios.
Florida Southern College
Florida Southern College (FSC) has consistently maintained first-time National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates in the 90th percentile over the past five years. This sustained record of program excellence has also led to another significant achievement for the nursing program. The Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences announced that its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs have received accreditation for the maximum 10-year term from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
According to a college press release, “This significant achievement reflects the school’s steadfast commitment to excellence in nursing education, student success, and the preparation of highly qualified healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Laly Joseph, Dean of the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences, added, “This outstanding achievement reflects the dedication, collaboration, and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, clinical partners, and institutional leadership in advancing excellence in nursing education. It is a testament to the quality of our programs and our shared commitment to preparing highly qualified healthcare professionals who will make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.”
Southeastern University
Southeastern University (SEU) currently tracks licensure examination outcomes for two academic programs: the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) for teacher education graduates and the NCLEX-RN for nursing students.
Following recent changes to the FTCE that have contributed to lower pass rates statewide, SEU reports an overall FTCE pass rate of 67%. In addition, 90% of the 107 students who have completed the BSN program since its inception in 2017 have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
According to the university, “An 88.3% employment rate, coupled with 62.0% of graduates continuing their education, suggests that Southeastern University graduates are prepared to make a positive and consequential impact on society through the careers, professions, and further education they choose after graduation.”
Keiser University
Keiser University reports strong student achievement on licensure and certification examinations across multiple academic programs. The Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) program has maintained annual first-time NCLEX pass rates ranging from 76% to 88%, with the program reporting a benchmark of sustaining an annual pass rate above 80% across reporting cohorts. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program has also reported strong outcomes, with individual campuses recording first-time pass rates as high as 100% and consistently meeting or exceeding national averages established by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Graduates of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program have also demonstrated strong performance, with some cohorts achieving a 100% licensure examination pass rate.
Other programs, including Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) and Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), track student outcomes through programmatic certification benchmarks, typically targeting cumulative pass rates of 75% to 80% or higher, depending on the reporting cycle.
Together, these outcomes reflect the range of career pathways supported by Keiser University and the role of higher education in preparing graduates to enter licensed and credentialed professions.
Webber International University
Webber International University reported a 100% first-time pass rate for both Nursing Licensure (NCLEX) and Teacher Certification (FTCE) examinations during the 2025 calendar year. All graduating students successfully passed their required licensure examinations.
These results demonstrate the university’s focus on preparing graduates for professional practice and highlight the importance of strong academic programs in supporting successful entry into the workforce.
Strengthening the Talent Pipeline
Strong licensure and certification outcomes are one measure of how Polk County’s higher education institutions are preparing students for careers in fields that are essential to the region’s future.
As Polk County continues to grow, demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, education, and other high-demand industries will continue to increase. The success of local graduates strengthens the connection between education and workforce development, helping employers access qualified talent and provide opportunities to build careers close to home.
Together, these institutions play an important role in developing the talent pipeline that will support Polk County’s continued economic growth and competitiveness.
