“Whole team effort” behind 100% pass rate for Bachelor of Nursing graduates

Unitec is celebrating a 100% pass rate for its graduates in the July 2025 NCNZ (Nursing Council of New Zealand) State Final Examinations.

There were 542 candidates who sat the Registered Nurse Examination nationwide. Thirty-three were from Unitec and all of them achieved a perfect pass rate.

This is compared to the national average of 96.5%.

Academic Programme Manager, Kate Barry thanked all her colleagues at the School of Healthcare and Social Practice for their mahi.

“Great effort to support our graduates on all levels. I know the graduates are very grateful,” she says.

“Often, we get 97% or 93% so we like to just enjoy the moment, be humble and then do our best to support the next cohort. “

Head of School, Linda Aumua expressed her gratitude for her team as well.

“Thank you for your support, teaching and effort that has gone into ensuring our student success. This is a wonderful result that is reflective of all your work,” she says.

The NCNZ state exam is centred around ensuring the soon to be Registered nurse is competent and safe to practice.

Graduates from Unitec’s Bachelor of Nursing Programme are eligible to sit this exam.

“The Bachelor of Nursing is a challenging programme for learners both in terms of theory and clinical placement expectations. Over the three years, learners complete a minimum of 1100 hours clinical in a variety of different health and nursing contexts,” Barry explains.

“During this clinical experience theoretical knowledge is consolidated and learners must show competence in each area.  The variety of health contexts, add a richness to the future Registered Nurse’s practice.”

According to Kate Barry, learner success can only be attributed to the learner’s own commitment with the support from all involved.

“It’s a ‘whole team effort’ across the three years. By the team, I mean the BN lecturers, Student academic learning and international support lecturers, our library team,” she explains.

“Student central representatives and without a doubt the privileged experience our learners gain from caring for patients and their families who are facing health and life challenges.  Everyone has a role in a student’s success.”