TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Examination (考選部) reported on Thursday (July 11) that its initiative to hold three annual nursing exams has significantly increased the number of qualified nurses. Since the program's inception last year, 9,052 candidates have passed, raising the cumulative pass rate to 89.90%, higher than previous years.
Lio Mon-chi (劉孟奇), the Minister of Examination, announced the 2024's third nursing exam will take place on Nov. 10. The ministry plans to continue this initiative in 2025, collaborating with the Executive Yuan (行政院), Ministry of Education (教育部), and Ministry of Health and Welfare (衛福部) to refine the nursing exam system and supply quality nursing professionals.
Examination Yuan President Huang Jong-tsun (黃榮村) highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated nursing workforce issues. He noted that only continuous discussions and reaching consensus with educational institutions, employers, and nursing professional groups can show improved benefits and results.
Lio pointed out that since the first additional third exam in Nov. 2023, recent graduates who failed the July exam could retake it within three months, providing more opportunities. The attendance rate for recent graduates in the 2023 third exam was 97.16%, and 87.14% for non-recent graduates. The pass rates were 56.03% for recent graduates and 29.4% for non-recent graduates, both higher than previous years.
Statistics show that the additional exam has helped more nursing graduates obtain professional licenses. The Ministry of Examination reported that of the 7,466 recent graduates who took the second 2023 exam, 5,388 passed. Those who failed continued to the third 2023 and the first 2024 exams, bringing the cumulative pass rate to 89.90%.