It's no secret that Baker College prepares Michigan residents for success in a variety of fields, but many people don't realize the extent of the institution's accomplishments, and how well it stacks up against better-known regional colleges.

Recently, Baker received some much-deserved recognition by achieving the top spot in a Michigan RN program ranking published by Registerednursing.org. The Clinton Township campus was highlighted as the best RN program in the entire state, beating out the likes of Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan. Additionally, several other Baker College campuses were acknowledged for the strength of their respective nursing programs.

Every year, Registerednursing.org releases a list of top RN programs in each state. Nursing programs are ranked based on pass rates with the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam, which boards in every state require nurses to pass before receiving licensure. The NCLEX-RN is a notoriously rigorous exam; it covers a broad range of essential topics, including pharmacology, physiological adaptation, management of care, and psychosocial integrity.

Baker College in Clinton Township boasts the highest pass rate in the state of Michigan, with an astounding 98.62 percent of students passing the NCLEX-RN. This nearly 100 percent pass rate means that students attending Clinton Township are virtually guaranteed successful entry into the nursing profession upon graduation.

Baker College has long boasted an excellent reputation for preparing students for the rigors of the health care industry. The nonprofit institution emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which ensure students' ability to apply what they've learned in a classroom setting to real-world situations.

The Baker Difference is arguably responsible for the Clinton Township program's extraordinary ranking with Registerednursing.org. At Baker, small class sizes and instructor accessibility are chief priorities. There are no lecture halls on campus; the average class consists of 25 students, and many are far smaller. This ensures that instructors have more time to spend with each student. The ultimate result is a more personal, interactive experience. Students can enjoy this same accessibility and personalized learning online, as Baker offers remote learning opportunities for all students, including aspiring nurses.

Like all nursing programs at Baker College, the ADN program (which prepares students for RN licensure) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. Furthermore, the program is approved by the Michigan Board of Nursing.

The instructors at Baker College promote not only exceptional technical education, but also a comprehensive set of soft skills equally vital to success in the health care industry. Concepts such as information literacy, patient-centered care, cultural awareness, and clinical reasoning are consistently addressed through all phases of the ADN nursing program.

Through core courses and general education requirements, students delve into several aspects of the nursing profession, including legal issues, mental health, leadership, and communication. The ultimate goal is to develop a new generation of well-rounded nurses, prepared to take on the many challenges that the modern health care industry is bound to present.

The nursing program in Clinton Township achieved the top spot at Registerednursing.org, but it is by no means the only Baker College RN program to receive recognition. The top 20 ranking at Registerednursing.org also included Baker College campuses in Muskegon and Owosso. Both were commended for their emphasis on molding RN students into progressive professionals with a passion for lifelong learning. The Flint campus just barely missed out on the top 20 list, arriving at the 21st spot in Registerednursing.org's ranking of 59 Michigan RN programs. Campuses in Auburn Hills and Allen Park were also highlighted for their placement among the state's top 30 RN programs.

With Clinton Township and so many other campuses recognized by Registerednursing.org, aspiring nurses can take solace in knowing that their studies at Baker College will adequately prepare them for their board exams, and beyond that, successful careers in nursing.