Factors that predict NCLEX-RN success at a Historically Black College and University: A four-year retrospective study

Ensuring NCLEX-RN success for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is integral to increasing Blacks and other racial/ethnic minorities underrepresented as registered nurses (RNs).

To examine the association between program type (traditional (TBSN) and accelerated Bachelor of Science [ABSN]) and first-time NCLEX-RN exam outcome.

A retrospective descriptive design was used. TBSN and ABSN students (n = 465) who graduated between 2015-2018 at an HBCU were examined.

First-time pass rates for the total sample was 91.58%. Differences were observed between program type in 10 nursing courses for both programs, with Child Health being the only course predicting NCLEX-RN in both programs. In a multivariate logistic regression model, male students were 69% less likely to pass NCLEX-RN exam on first attempt compared to females, AOR = 0.31, p = 0.005.

HBCUs can successfully prepare a diverse population of BSN graduates who pass NCLEX-RN on first attempt. Increased understanding of factors that decrease NCLEX-RN success of males is a prerequisite to development of strategies to ensure that all students have positive outcomes. There is also a need to understand differential relationships between nursing course grades and NCLEX-RN success among students enrolled in TBSN versus ABSN paths.