Nursing Programs Affected by Higher NCLEX-RN Scores.

Why do potential nursing students prefer to attend and graduate from a highly-respected university? The primary reason is the opportunity a stellar degree provides to quickly find a nursing position. Things frequently overlooked include tuition costs, GPA requirements, and how many slots are open for new students. Areas like this eventually lead students to seek their nursing credentials at community colleges and for profit schools.

The new NCLEX-RN test launched in April 2013 introduced another concern in the form of pass rates reduced by 12 points. The standard test governs RN licensure. How did student NCLEX scores compare between for profit schools and community colleges, and what similarities and differences possibly affected the results?

Community college nursing programs have prerequisites in addition to specific requirements, courses, and schedules. Enrollment may be delayed or not approved if the applicant does not meet enrollment criteria. For profit schools seldom have waiting lists or demand completion of prerequisites before enrollment is granted.  Instead, the classes take place along with nursing courses.

Unlike community college health programs, nursing programs at for profit schools can lack programmatic accreditation by CCNE or ACEN. For profit schools typically charge high tuition for healthcare programs while community colleges require lower fees.

The revised NCLEX requires a change in what is taught and how so students in either program can pass the exam.  Subject matter requires a better understanding of how the body works. There is an emphasis on symptomology and pathophysiology rather than meticulous knowledge about certain diseases. The test’s format has gone beyond multiple-choice to include questions with multiple answers. Some sections may require arranging a list of possible answers by priority or filling in a blank with the appropriate response.

The Ohio State Board of Nursing determined none of the six for profit RN and practical-nursing programs in Columbus had an acceptable number of students pass the national nurse-licensure exam in 2015. In response, one profit school is tackling the challenges of poor testing results. Their prospective students must score higher on the entrance exam for admission to the program. A test-prep company is also available so students can practice on sample questions to better prepare for the NCLEX.

Additionally, for profit and community college nursing programs are changing faculty and curriculum to improve student performance. New teaching methods incorporate problem solving and a higher standard of learning.  The new demands of NCLEX go beyond the student’s need to consider class size, cost, and the waiting period for admission. Factors like the institution’s emphasis on teaching coordination of care, communication skills and critical thinking are as important to consider as the number of graduates who pass the licensing exam.

Article provided by, Advocate Search Group – a recruiting firm focused exclusively on filling academic nursing program positions throughout the USA

We welcome your inquiries….

• Click here to schedule a 15 minute collaborative call
• Phone: 720-446-5700
• Email: info@advocatesearchgroup.com