At a glance: Improving NCLEX readiness is the strategic process of utilizing evidence-based educational interventions to elevate a nursing student’s competency and clinical judgment before licensure. By integrating high-quality video lectures and adaptive question banks, programs can systematically move the performance “floor,” ensuring that even at-risk students meet the 65 or higher ATI Comprehensive Predictor benchmark.
The “At-Risk Majority” Problem
For many BSN programs, the risk assessment of a cohort can be sobering. In November 2025, a study of 54 students in the Mid-Southwest region—led by Rhonda Lawes, PhD, RN—revealed a critical readiness gap in a cohort that had been experiencing declining NCLEX pass rates for the past two years. Before the intervention, fewer than 1 in 6 students were prepared for the NCLEX-RN.
The baseline data highlighted a systemic risk to program outcomes:
- Only 16.7% of the cohort (9 of 54 students) scored at or above the 65-point threshold on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor.
- The cohort mean ATI score sat at 59.97 , significantly lower than the eventual post-course assessment.
- Just 9.3% of students had an 80% or higher predicted probability of passing the NCLEX on their first attempt.
Sitting at the bottom of the readiness scale, this cohort faced a high likelihood of NCLEX failure without a massive shift in curriculum delivery.
The Catalyst: A Semester-Long Powered Review
To address these gaps, the institution implemented the Lecturio NCLEX Review Course over a single semester. This intervention was designed as a “catalyst” for transformation.
The integrated review focused on three evidence-based pillars:
- High-Yield Video Lectures: Used to reinforce core nursing concepts and address knowledge gaps.
- NCLEX-Style Question Banks: Designed to build stamina and familiarity with the exam format.
- Evidence-Based Learning Resources: Implemented to promote active recall and long-term retention.
This multi-modal approach aligns with innovative learning allowances, providing a structured environment where students move from passive consumption to active application.
Transforming Outcomes: Moving the Floor
By the final proctored assessment in March 2026, the cohort underwent a “macro transformation”. The results were statistically undeniable, with a p-value of p < .001, indicating that these gains were not due to random variation.
The data highlights a near-universal improvement across the cohort:
- Total Benchmark Success: The percentage of students meeting the 65 or higher benchmark jumped from 16.7% to 90.7%, a net gain of 40 students.
- Elevated Mean Scores: The mean ATI score rose by 11.30 points, reaching 71.27.
- Universal Growth: 98.1% of individuals (53 of 54 students) improved their scores during the semester.
- Pass Probability: The number of students with an 80%+ probability of passing the NCLEX increased by 32, moving from 9.3% to 68.5% of the cohort.
Institutional Impact: Legacy vs. Transformed State
| Metric | Current/Legacy State (Nov 2025) | Transformed/Optimized State (Mar 2026) |
| Cohort Readiness (65 or higher benchmark) | 16.7% (High-Risk) | 90.7% (NCLEX-Ready) |
| Mean ATI Score | 59.97 | 71.27 (+11.30 points) |
| Pass Probability (80%+) | 9.3% of students | 68.5% of students |
| Student Readiness Distribution | At-Risk Majority | NCLEX-Ready Majority |
| Intervention Efficacy | Baseline Performance | Statistically Significant Gain (p < .001) |
The Science of Success: Rare Magnitude of Impact
In educational research, an intervention yielding an effect size of 0.8 is celebrated as a “large” impact. The Lecturio review course generated an effect size of Cohen’s d = 2.21.
This magnitude is nearly three times the threshold for a large effect, a result that is exceptionally rare in educational interventions. Dr. Lawes’ analysis reveals a systemic rightward shift; the intervention did not just raise the ceiling, it moved the entire floor, transforming a vulnerable cohort into a highly prepared one.
The results of this impact study set a new baseline for what is possible in nursing education. By moving away from fragmented study methods and toward a centralized, high-impact review, institutions can ensure their graduates are not just “getting by,” but are truly ready for the demands of the NCLEX and clinical practice.
Schedule a Demo with the Lecturio team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does improving NCLEX readiness affect BSN program outcomes?
Improving readiness directly correlates with higher first-time pass rates, which are critical for program accreditation and institutional reputation. As shown in the study, shifting 90.7% of students above readiness benchmarks significantly mitigates the risk of cohort failure.
What is a “large” effect size in nursing education research?
Standard benchmarks consider an effect size of 0.8 to be “large”. The impact of the Lecturio intervention (Cohen’s d = 2.21) is nearly three times this benchmark, representing a powerfully transformative academic impact.
Can a single semester intervention improve an at-risk cohort?
Yes. The data demonstrates that 98.1% of students improved within a single semester using integrated video lectures, question banks, and evidence-based resources, resulting in a mean score increase of 11.30 points.
