Katrina Valencia, a 2023 Northern Marianas College nursing graduate, recently passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses or NCLEX-RN.
Nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN to be able to practice nursing in the United States and its territories. The exam tests the knowledge, skills, and abilities of nursing graduates in order to certify that they are capable of applying entry-level nursing practices correctly.
“We extend our warmest congratulations to Katrina for successfully passing the NCLEX-RN,” NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD said. “This accomplishment is a testament to their commitment to excellence and the high standards upheld by NMC's nursing program.
NMC Nursing Department Chair Rosa Aldan likewise congratulated Valencia on her achievement.
“We are immensely proud of Katrina's achievement and are confident that she will continue to excel in their career as a registered nurse,” Aldan said. “NMC remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals in the CNMI.”
According to Valencia, she pursued nursing due to her passion for helping others.
“Growing up, I have always been there for my friends and my peers mentally and emotionally, giving them the best advice I could give and helping them in any way I can,” Valencia said. “Nearing the end of my high school education, I wanted to do more and learn more, and that was when I realized that I wanted to help people physically as well. Going into nursing provides me many opportunities in learning how to care, educate, and advocate for others.”
Valencia contributes her success with the exam to the College’s nursing faculty, as well as her family and friends.
“Having the support from my family, friends, instructors, and my significant other really helped me push through while studying for the NCLEX,” Valencia said. “All the NMC instructors have positively impacted my learning in their own way to help prepare me for the NCLEX. I am so grateful for all the encouragement and wisdom they have given us.”
Valencia advises students who are preparing for the exam to have a balance between studying and taking care of their well-being.
“Most of the time we students put a lot of pressure on ourselves while studying for the NCLEX, so it is really important to believe and trust in yourself – to take a step back and remind yourself that you know the content and have been doing the work everyday,” Valencia said.
Katrina is now working at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation as a Registered Nurse in the Medical-Surgical Unit.
For more information about NMC's nursing program, email NMC Nursing Department Chair Rosa T. Aldan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (670) 237-6744.