Director of NCLEX Success

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

Work Environment

Office Location: Oakland -Hybrid

• This is a hybrid position based in Oakland, CA with in-office attendance varying depending on meetings, events, and business needs.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic academic setting.