Leading The Way
Hunt School of Nursing Shines During National Nurses Week with Record NCLEX Success
Nursing graduates surpass national, regional averages as Texas Tech Health El Paso leads the way for a healthy future in Far West Texas
Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Hunt School of Nursing is celebrating National Nurses Week with an impressive first-time pass rate of 93.1% on the 2024 National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized exam for nursing licensure in the United States and Canada. This exceeds the national average of 91.9%.
Danielle Purintun, who is graduating from the nursing program in two weeks, will soon take the NCLEX. She said she was not surprised by the results.
“While I think it is monumental,” said Purintun. “It shows what we all knew: This program is successful, and we can all become nurses if we truly try. I do not have any doubts that most of my cohort is going to pass.”
This eight-point jump from last year, which outpaces the national average for Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in 2024, places the Hunt School of Nursing at the top of El Paso’s nursing education landscape.
“Some of our students come here after being in other programs, and they say, ‘I wish I had started here,’” said Tracy Lopez, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, FELAN, assistant dean of the undergraduate program. “That’s the power of support and mentorship from a faculty that truly cares.”
National Nurses Week (May 6–12, 2025) is a time to honor the dedication, skill and compassion of nurses everywhere. This year’s theme, “The Power of Nurses,” captures the spirit of the Hunt School of Nursing’s mission. Nurses are the heartbeat of health care, and their impact is felt in every hospital, clinic and community across the country.
Jene Hurlbut, Ph.D., R.N., CNE, interim dean of the Hunt School of Nursing, highlighted the faculty’s dedication to student success as the school’s secret.
“Our faculty are very receptive to students and highly engaged, willing to go the extra mile,” said Dr. Hurlbut. “If they sense a student might be struggling, they are eager to help ensure their success. There’s a completely different vibe here – a feeling of ‘we can do it,’ of success and support. That positive atmosphere truly sets us apart.”
The school’s journey to this milestone reflects a commitment to innovation and student-centered learning. Faculty have introduced technologies like the UWorld nursing exam preparation platform, intensive mentoring, and “lunch and learn” sessions.
A week-long live review by test mentoring company HESI and targeted exam reviews are now embedded in the final semester. It ensures every graduate is well-prepared for the NCLEX.
“Our NCLEX scores validate not only the hard work of our faculty but the determination and resilience of our students,” said Dr. Lopez. “They’re studying hard and doing their due diligence to ensure their success. We don’t just prepare nurses to pass an exam – we prepare them to serve, to lead, and to change lives in their communities from day one.”
The Hunt School of Nursing’s 93.1% first-time pass rate is the highest in several years, with previous cohorts posting rates of 85%, 87% and 91%. This improvement is especially significant as the nation faces a critical nurse shortage.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 200,000 new registered nurse positions will be needed by 2031.
The program’s “high-touch” approach — characterized by small class sizes, a streamlined 16-month program, and exceptional faculty engagement — continues to attract students looking for a supportive environment.
The school’s commitment to student success extends beyond academics. Faculty provide resources for scrubs and textbooks, and they support students through life’s challenges, fostering a culture of care that underpins strong retention and graduation rates. Nearly half of students secure employment before graduation, and most accept job offers within weeks of graduating. These efforts are made possible thanks to community support and various donors who make this happen.
“Our faculty members touch every aspect of our students’ lives — not just in the classroom, but when they’re sick, struggling or celebrating milestones,” Dr. Hurlbut said. “That’s what it means to be a high-touch program. We’re building a legacy of nurses who are ready to meet the needs of our community and shape the future of health care.”
Since opening in 2011, the Hunt School of Nursing has graduated over 2,400 nurses, each one contributing to a healthier future for Far West Texas and beyond. The program’s on-time graduation rates, consistently in the high 80s to low 90s, far exceed national norms.
As buildings across the nation light up in blue and white for Nurses Week, Texas Tech Health El Paso celebrates not only a record-setting NCLEX pass rate but also the spirit of service and excellence that defines its graduates.
About Texas Tech Health El Paso
Texas Tech Health El Paso serves 108 rural counties in West Texas and is a federally designated Hispanic-serving institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of health care heroes. Established as an independent university in 2013, Texas Tech Health El Paso is a uniquely innovative destination for medical, nursing, biomedical sciences and dental education.
With a focus on excellence in health care education, research, and clinical service, Texas Tech Health El Paso has graduated over 2,400 professionals over the past decade, and will include dental graduates beginning in 2025. For more information, visit ttuhscepimpact.org.