After his first visit to Saipan in 2005, Sohn decided to move himself and his family from South Korea to the island. Shortly after the move in 2007, Sohn enrolled at NMC and began taking courses.
“I decided to pursue nursing because after years of working in sales and marketing for various companies, I wanted a career that was stable, as well as dynamic,” said Sohn. “In the nursing program at NMC, I met instructors and staff who demonstrated both great passion and enthusiasm — from the classroom to the examination room — in leading students to become successful nurses.”
The NCLEX-RN tests an individual’s nursing knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level. The exam is used by nursing boards in all U.S. states and all territories to award nurse licenses. Licensed nurses may have their credentials endorsed by a state or a territory’s board upon meeting board requirements without having to retake the exam.
“I got right into studying for the examination immediately after graduation,” said Sohn. “I don’t think I could have gotten through that intense time without my family, friends, and mentors at the College supporting me and helping me focus on my goal.”
According to NMC nursing instructor Hervin Jacinto, compared to most of the graduates Sohn had the least amount of time to prepare for the exam.
“I have noticed that most graduates usually spend at least a few months preparing and studying before actually taking the examination,” said Jacinto. “I think it’s incredible that Kwon passed with only six weeks to prepare.”
Sohn, who graduated cum laude, joins a long list of NMC nursing alumni who have passed the NCLEX on the first attempt, and have started successful nursing careers.
“The College measures the effectiveness of the instruction we provide by studying student achievement and performance,” said NMC interim President Lorraine Cabrera. “For the past several years, NMC’s nursing graduates have been consistently surpassing the national average in NCLEX passage rates.”
“We are extremely proud of Kwon’s achievement,” said Cabrera. “His passion and dedication to excel on the exam has led him to fulfill his dream of becoming a nurse.”
After passing the NCLEX, Sohn hopes to begin his nursing career in the CNMI. After gaining some experience, Sohn also plans on pursuing higher nursing degrees to advance his skills and knowledge in the field.
