Standardized Testing and Remediation to Improve NCLEX-RN Pass Rates in an Associate

First time pass rate success on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is an expectation for all nursing programs. Nursing faculty need adequate resources to assess, analyze, and support the development of individual plans for student success (Carrick, 2011). This project was created to address the less than 85% NCLEX-RN pass rates in a small private college. The project utilized three categories of computerized standardized Health Education Systems Inc. (HESI) exams; the A2 admission, specialty, and the E2 exit exams. Mandatory remediation directed at students who scored below the predetermined benchmark levels on the standardized exams was the intervention. Data was collected retrospectively following program graduation and NCLEX-RN licensure examination. Based on the results from this small sample size project, standardized testing and mandatory remediation may have contributed to improved NCLEX-RN program outcomes. Recommendations could be made that the program of nursing should adhere to admission requirements on the A2 composite admission exam. Students who score below benchmark on HESI specialty and exit exams should be required to participate in mandatory remediation