Northern Michigan University’s surgical technology, radiography and clinical laboratory technician associate-degree programs all reported 100 percent pass rates among 2016 graduates on their respective national certifying exams. The three disciplines are housed within the School of Clinical Sciences. Students who complete an associate degree are eligible for national certification or may continue their education and ladder into a bachelor’s degree.

“It would be a significant achievement for one program to have a 100 percent pass rate, but three from the same school at the same time is highly unusual,” said Paul Mann, associate dean and director. “This is a tribute to the exceptional quality of our students, faculty and our clinical affiliate partners.”

Six NMU students took the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist examination. Their 100 percent success rate compares with the national average of 73 percent, according to Mann. Eighteen students passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam, which had an 88 percent national average pass rate this year. Another 18 completed and passed the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Laboratory Technician certification examination, compared with 77 percent of their peers nationwide.