Director of NCLEX Success

Description:

Job Description Summary:

Samuel Merritt University graduates improve health outcomes and reduce disparities for all members of our communities. For more than a century, we have prepared outstanding healthcare professionals through immersive learning and community engagement and remain deeply committed to transforming healthcare through diversity and inclusion. Within the College of Nursing, we lead educational innovation to prepare highly competent, practice-ready nurses who are committed to advancing nursing practice and improving health outcomes across diverse populations. Our motto, Education Plus Compassion, is reflected in how we support our students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve.

Duties and Responsibilities:

This administrative position focuses on NCLEX readiness strategy, student success infrastructure, and continuous quality improvement related to licensure outcomes. The Director of NCLEX Success is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive NCLEX success strategy
• Supervising NCLEX Success Coaches and coordinating student support services
• Monitoring predictive testing and course performance data
• Leading remediation programs and NCLEX preparation initiatives
• Partnering with BSN leadership to improve program outcomes
• Supporting accreditation and regulatory reporting related to licensure outcomes The Director demonstrates strong leadership, operational effectiveness, and commitment to student success while advancing a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Major Areas of Responsibility Administration (70%) NCLEX Success Strategy and Program Oversight
• Leads development and implementation of comprehensive NCLEX readiness strategy across BSN programs
• Establishes structured NCLEX preparation pathways from program entry through graduation
• Oversees implementation of standardized testing strategies (HESI or equivalent)
• Develops structured remediation frameworks aligned with student performance data
• Monitors national trends in NCLEX testing and integrates best practices into program strategy
• Ensures alignment between NCLEX preparation efforts and program outcomes Student Success Infrastructure
• Oversees NCLEX Success Coaches and coordinates student academic support related to licensure readiness
• Develops early identification processes for academically at-risk students
• Implements individualized NCLEX readiness plans for identified students
• Coordinates NCLEX preparation workshops, boot camps, and review programs
• Supports repeat test-takers and graduates preparing for NCLEX Data Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
• Monitors NCLEX performance data, predictive exam results, and course outcomes
• Develops dashboards to track student readiness indicators
• Provides regular reports to BSN Program Chair and College leadership
• Identifies trends impacting pass rates and recommends corrective actions
• Participates in continuous improvement planning related to licensure outcomes Faculty Collaboration
• Works with course faculty to integrate NCLEX preparation strategies into curriculum
• Provides guidance on test blueprint alignment and question writing
• Partners with faculty to support remediation planning
• Supports faculty development related to NCLEX preparation strategies
• Collaborates with curriculum committees regarding readiness initiatives Accreditation and Regulatory Support
• Supports preparation of NCLEX data for BRN, CCNE, and WSCUC reporting
• Assists with program review documentation related to licensure outcomes
• Contributes to continuous improvement reporting processes
• Ensures NCLEX success initiatives align with accreditation expectations Supervision
• Directly supervises NCLEX Success Coaches
• Establishes expectations, performance goals, and evaluation processes
• Coordinates workload and student assignments
• Provides coaching and professional development support
• Conducts performance evaluations Teaching and Student Engagement (20%)
• May facilitate 1:1 or 1-to-many reviews related to NCLEX preparation or student success
• Facilitates NCLEX readiness seminars and workshops
• Provides group and individual student advising related to licensure preparation
• Supports students in development of study plans and testing strategies
• Collaborates with faculty regarding student progression concerns Service (10%)
• Participates in College of Nursing committees related to student success
• Participates in faculty organization and college meetings as appropriate
• Supports university student success initiatives
• Represents the College in student success and licensure readiness initiatives
• Participates in professional organizations related to nursing education Minimum Qualifications & Requirements Education & Experience
• Master's degree in nursing required; doctoral degree preferred
• Active, unencumbered RN license, Ranked at Associate or Full Professor
• Minimum three years teaching experience in prelicensure nursing education
• Demonstrated experience supporting NCLEX preparation or student success initiatives
• Experience working with standardized testing platforms (HESI, ATI, or equivalent)
• Experience analyzing student performance data preferred
• Prior academic leadership or coordination experience preferred Skills
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and leadership
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously Abilities
• Ability to function effectively as an academic leader and collaborator
• Ability to analyze complex student performance data
• Ability to develop structured intervention plans
• Ability to communicate expectations clearly to students and faculty
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism
• Ability to work independently and as part of a leadership team Preferred Qualifications
• Doctoral degree in nursing or education
• NCLEX item writing or testing experience
• Experience improving NCLEX outcomes
• Experience with progression and remediation policies
• Experience leading student success initiatives
• Experience supervising staff

Employee Status:

Regular Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

$113k to 143k based on experience. Samuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills. SMU is a health sciences institution offering high-quality instruction, outstanding faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities. We have a deep commitment and proven track record of preparing professionals to address today's healthcare needs. Our Mission We educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities. Our Vision Samuel Merritt University will become nationally recognized as a premier, multi-specialty health sciences institution. Expert faculty and staff will shape an inclusive learning environment where all students experience best teaching practices and state-of-the-art learning approaches. The University will select and support students who will flourish in the rigorous academic programs, learn to practice expertly, and pass licensure or certifications examinations on their first attempt. Our Philosophy of Teaching and Learning We see faculty and students as partners in the teaching and learning process. Our programs, curricula, and courses are designed to encourage active, experiential learning as well as collegial, scholarly, and effective communications. We believe that clinical and practical applications, including interprofessional education, provide a critical foundation for learning in the health professions. SMU graduates use sound reasoning, evidence-based care, and clinical expertise to respond to the needs of the people they serve. Community and Diversity We're more than a top health professions university. SMU is committed to training students in the importance of social determinants of health and how to care for patients from diverse backgrounds with integrity and compassion. Our Values If you're interested in transforming the care experience in diverse communities, SMU could be the place for you. SMU students learn to advance health equity and make a lasting impact on individuals' health and community well-being. At the core of our educational values are hands-on, experiential learning; the promotion of diversity and inclusion; and community-service outreach, locally and globally.

We embrace:

A learning environment where we challenge ourselves and our students to think critically, seek mastery, and act compassionately A collegial environment where we are fair, respectful, and behave with integrity A collaborative environment where we partner with one another and with others in the community An innovative environment where we take reasoned risks and move nimbly A results-oriented environment where we provide and expect exceptional performance and service The Employee Polygraph Protection Act prohibits most private employers from using lie detector tests either for pre-employment screening or during the course of employment. Details can be found on our website at: https://www.samuelmerritt.edu/employee-polygraph-protection-act