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Best NCLEX Prep Courses
The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the last hurdle for nursing graduates before they become licensed practitioners. As one of the most challenging exams in the healthcare field, preparing for it can be overwhelming. Thankfully, numerous NCLEX prep courses are available to help aspiring nurses get through the exam confidently. This blog explores the best NCLEX prep courses, why you should consider taking them, their features, pricing, and much more.
What Are NCLEX Prep Courses?
NCLEX prep courses are structured programs designed to help nursing graduates prepare for the NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses) or NCLEX-PN (for practical/vocational nurses). These courses provide comprehensive study materials, practice questions, simulations, and sometimes personalized tutoring to ensure that candidates are well-equipped to handle the exam.
Benefits of Taking NCLEX Prep Courses
1. Structured Study Plans
NCLEX prep courses provide a well-organized curriculum that breaks down complex topics into manageable chunks, making it easier to cover all exam material.
2. Access to Practice Questions
Most prep courses offer thousands of practice questions that simulate the actual exam. Practicing these questions helps build familiarity with the exam format and question style.
3. Personalized Study Options
Some NCLEX prep courses offer tailored study plans and one-on-one tutoring. This is particularly beneficial if you’re weak in certain areas and need personalized guidance.
4. Performance Analytics
Most platforms have built-in performance tracking features, helping you identify your weak spots and adjust your study plan accordingly.
5. Time Management
With a structured course, you can set clear goals and deadlines, making it easier to manage your time and keep up with your study schedule.
Best NCLEX Prep Courses to Consider
1. Kaplan NCLEX Prep
Overview
Kaplan is a well-established name in test preparation, and their NCLEX prep course is no exception. They offer a comprehensive study plan that includes practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and live or on-demand lectures.
Key Features
- On-Demand or Live Classes: Offers flexibility in learning with both self-paced and live options.
- Qbank with 2,100+ Questions: Practice questions that mirror the NCLEX exam.
- Diagnostic Test and Performance Reports: Kaplan offers a diagnostic test that helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses.
- Mobile App: Kaplan’s course comes with a mobile app for on-the-go studying.
Pricing
The pricing ranges from $399 for the self-paced course to $499 for the live online course.
Why Kaplan?
Kaplan’s blend of extensive practice material, live classes, and strong analytics makes it an excellent option for students who want a mix of flexibility and structure.
2. UWorld NCLEX Prep
Overview
UWorld has gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and challenging practice questions. It’s widely recommended for its in-depth rationales and explanations for both correct and incorrect answers.
Key Features
- 2,000+ Practice Questions: UWorld’s question bank (Qbank) is one of the most extensive.
- Detailed Rationales: Explanations for every question, helping you understand the logic behind answers.
- Performance Graphs: Track your progress with visual reports.
- Mobile Access: Study on the go with the UWorld app.
Pricing
Pricing starts at $159 for a 30-day subscription to $399 for a 180-day subscription.
Why UWorld?
If you’re someone who learns best through practice, UWorld’s extensive question bank and rationales make it an ideal choice. The performance tracking also helps fine-tune your study plan.
3. Hurst Review NCLEX Prep
Overview
Hurst Review is known for its comprehensive review materials and live sessions that break down complicated nursing concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. The course emphasizes critical thinking, a key skill for passing the NCLEX.
Key Features
- Core Content Review: Focuses on simplifying core nursing concepts.
- 1,500+ NCLEX-Style Questions: A diverse range of practice questions.
- Live and Online Classes: Options for both live review and on-demand sessions.
- Readiness Exams: Gauge your exam readiness with full-length NCLEX practice exams.
Pricing
The cost ranges from $109 for a 1-month review to $399 for an online program with additional tutoring.
Why Hurst Review?
Hurst Review stands out for its simplified content review, making it perfect for students who need to build a solid understanding of nursing fundamentals.
4. Nursing.com NCLEX Prep
Overview
Nursing.com is an all-in-one platform offering NCLEX prep as well as resources for nursing students throughout their education. Its NCLEX prep course focuses on simplifying complex topics and offering tons of practice questions.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Course Materials: Includes 300+ lesson videos and 6,000+ practice questions.
- Simulated NCLEX Exams: Get a feel for the real exam with full-length practice tests.
- Study Plans: Tailored study plans based on how much time you have left before the exam.
- Cheat Sheets and Study Guides: Nursing.com offers helpful PDFs for quick review.
Pricing
Prices range from $39/month to $246 for a 6-month subscription.
Why Nursing.com?
Nursing.com’s flexibility and extensive content make it a good option for nursing students at various stages in their education.
5. SimpleNursing NCLEX Prep
Overview
SimpleNursing focuses on simplifying complex medical concepts through video tutorials and interactive materials. Their videos are designed to make learning engaging and easy.
Key Features
- Video Lessons: Over 1,000 video lessons explaining essential NCLEX topics.
- Flashcards and Cheat Sheets: Resources to help you review critical information quickly.
- Practice Questions: Thousands of practice questions to test your knowledge.
- Mobile-Friendly: Study on the go with mobile-compatible content.
Pricing
SimpleNursing costs $35 per month, making it one of the more affordable options.
Why SimpleNursing?
If you’re a visual learner, SimpleNursing’s video-based lessons and simplified approach to difficult concepts make it an excellent choice.
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DO MY PAPERHow to Choose the Right NCLEX Prep Course
1. Identify Your Learning Style
Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer reading and answering questions? Or maybe you need live interaction with an instructor? Choose a course that caters to your preferred learning method.
2. Budget Considerations
Prep courses can range from affordable monthly subscriptions to premium packages costing several hundred dollars. Evaluate your budget and how much you’re willing to invest in your NCLEX preparation.
3. Course Duration
Some students may only need a 30-day crash course, while others may prefer a more extended study period of 6 months. Choose a plan that fits your timeline for taking the exam.
4. Practice Questions and Exams
One of the best ways to prepare for the NCLEX is by answering practice questions. Ensure the course you choose offers a sufficient number of NCLEX-style questions, complete with rationales.
5. Customer Support and Tutoring
Some students benefit from one-on-one tutoring and customer support. If you anticipate needing additional help, look for courses that offer this feature.
Final Thoughts on NCLEX Prep Courses
Investing in an NCLEX prep course can be the difference between passing and failing this critical exam. Each course has unique strengths, so it’s important to choose the one that aligns with your learning style, budget, and study schedule. Whether you choose Kaplan for its structured classes or UWorld for its practice questions, a well-chosen prep course will significantly boost your chances of success.
NCLEX Prep Courses FAQs
The best NCLEX review course depends on your learning style. Kaplan is excellent for structured learning, while UWorld is popular for its extensive question bank and rationales. Consider your preferences for live or self-paced learning.
NCLEX review courses range from around $100 for self-paced courses to $500 for more comprehensive packages that include live sessions and tutoring. For example, Kaplan costs between $399 and $499, while UWorld starts at $159.
The best study approach includes a combination of practice questions (like those offered by UWorld or Kaplan), content reviews, and understanding rationales behind answers. Focusing on weak areas using practice exams and performance analytics is also crucial.
While it’s possible to prepare for the NCLEX in 1 month, it requires dedicated daily study. You should focus on high-yield topics, take practice exams, and be consistent with your schedule. Most students prefer 2-3 months to prepare thoroughly.
