The Colby Community College nursing program has been listed among the nation’s top three percent of vocational, career, and community college nursing schools by Nursing Schools Almanac.

The research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on over 3,200 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. Approximately 1,900 of the institutions surveyed were vocational, career, and community colleges that focus on entry-level prelicensure education. Colby’s program ranked No. 57 of those considered.

The ratings are based on the institutions’ academic prestige and perceived value; the breadth and depth of nursing programs offered; and student success, particularly on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

“Our nursing program continues to improve in quality and reach,” said CCC president Seth Carter. “This recognition is a testament to the caliber of students and faculty in the program.”

Colby’s core offering is its “1 + 1” curriculum, which enables students to earn an LPN certificate in one year of study or an associate of applied science degree in two years. The college also provides an associate of arts degree with an emphasis in pre-nursing, and individual pre-nursing courses.

CCC boasts strong NCLEX performances for its LPN graduates, with an almost 90 percent pass rate since 2008. Associate degree students passing the NCLEX have achieved an 86 percent graduation rate and a 100 percent job placement rate over the past several years.

The full list of ranked nursing programs and a description of the assessment can be found at http://www.nursingschoolsalmanac.com/articles/top-75-vocational-career-and-community-colleges-nursing.