Six recent nursing graduates from Northern Marianas College have officially passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), marking another milestone for the College’s nursing program and highlighting the growing number of locally trained nurses entering the workforce.
The six graduates — Lovely Mariano, Margo Quitugua, Maxine Rabago, Patreisha Concillado, Rexelle Penaroyo, and Na Li — each overcame the rigorous licensing exam which tests their knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure they are prepared to provide safe, entry-level nursing care.
NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD commended the graduates for their achievement, stating, “Our nursing graduates continue to make us proud. Their success on the NCLEX is a testament to their hard work and the outstanding education they received at NMC. Each one of them represents the future of health care in the Marianas, and we are honored to have played a role in their journey.”
NMC Nursing Department Chair Rosa Aldan echoed that pride, recognizing the perseverance of the cohort.
“These students have shown resilience, compassion, and strength throughout their time in the program,” Aldan said. “We are incredibly proud of them, and we know they will serve their patients and our community with dedication and care. They embody the spirit of nursing and the mission of NMC.”
The graduates, who graduated earlier this year from the College, credited their success to both personal motivation and the comprehensive training they received at NMC.
Lovely Mariano was driven by her children and the desire to give back to the community. She said the NCLEX was “a mental game” and encouraged future test takers to trust themselves and stay consistent. “NMC prepared me really well,” she said, highlighting the support of her instructors and the lasting impact of the late Mr. Johnny Aldan.
Margo Quitugua shared that her discipline and the inspiration of her grandmother, a nurse practitioner, were key motivators. She expressed deep gratitude to faculty members Mrs. Breanna Lee and Dr. Jihye Lee, whose teachings were instrumental to her success.
For Maxine Rabago, nursing was a calling to serve. “NMC gave me the skills, knowledge, and confidence I needed to succeed on the NCLEX,” she said. She highlighted the importance of building a strong foundation early in the program and credited Mrs. Breanna Lee for pushing students to excel.
Na Li, inspired by friends who are now RNs at CHCC, said that nursing is both a personal and professional calling. “The NMC faculty provided structure, discipline, and constant support that truly prepared me for the exam,” she said. Li emphasized the importance of mental wellness, structured study, and trusting in the program’s resources and faculty. “Becoming a registered nurse is not only a personal achievement but also an opportunity to serve our community.”
Patreisha Concillado said her classmates were her greatest source of strength while preparing for the exam. “The instructors pushed us to our limits while believing in our potential,” she said. “Adopt the mindset of being a safe nurse—that’s what the NCLEX is all about.”
Rexelle Penaroyo initially pursued a different path but found her calling in nursing through the core values of compassion, lifelong learning, and service. She credited NMC’s focus on critical thinking and faculty support for her success. “My advice: stick to a consistent routine, find ways to manage stress, and trust your preparation.”
Several of the graduates are in the process of applying to be registered nurses at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC), while others are taking time to rest before entering the workforce.
The NMC Nursing Program continues to see success among its graduates who pass the NCLEX and go on to serve in critical health care roles across the Commonwealth. For more information about the Nursing Program at Northern Marianas College, visit www.marianas.edu.