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by
Julia Liou, RN (Editorial Team / Admin)
Preparing for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is pivotal in launching your nursing career.
With the abundance of test prep options available, choosing the right resource can make all the difference in your success. Among them is the Kaplan NCLEX-RN, one of the most renowned and trusted test preps on the market.
Kaplan NCLEX-RN Overview
Kaplan includes over 2,100 practice questions with rationales, known to be like the NCLEX and Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs) in format and adaptability.
The CATs are supposed to adapt to a student's performance by dynamically adjusting the difficulty level of the questions based on their previous answers. This allows students to gauge their strengths and weaknesses in specific nursing topics and become more comfortable with exam taking.
Video content related to over 300 topics, study guides, a 700+ page eBook, and apps for students to study on the go is also offered, with the addition of the "NCLEX Channel," where students can communicate, ask questions amongst their classmates, and attend live classes with actual teachers to help further enhance their learning.
Kaplan emphasizes their use of the Decision Tree Method, which assists students in learning how to think critically, analyze data, and apply their nursing knowledge to realistic scenarios. This method is known to help students systemically develop their problem-solving and clinical reasoning skills, which are necessary for the NCLEX exam, and practicing as a nurse.
Overall, Kaplan stands out for its comprehensive content, adaptive testing, and extensive resources, making it a strong contender in the NCLEX test preparation market.
Pros of Kaplan NCLEX-RN
Some of the pros of Kaplan NCLEX-RN study prep are:
- Comprehensive Content: Kaplan NCLEX offers extensive content coverage, ensuring students are well-prepared for the exam. It covers all the major nursing topics and provides in-depth explanations.
- Practice Questions: Kaplan provides a large bank of practice questions, allowing students to assess their knowledge and gain familiarity with the exam format. The questions are designed to mimic the difficulty level and structure of the actual NCLEX exam.
- Adaptive Learning: Kaplan's adaptive learning technology tailors the study materials to individual strengths and weaknesses, providing a personalized learning experience.
- Performance Analytics: Kaplan offers detailed performance analytics and feedback, helping students track their progress and identify areas that require further improvement.
- Review Videos and Lectures: Kaplan provides engaging review videos and lectures by experienced nursing educators, facilitating a more interactive and visual learning experience.
- Money-back Guarantee: If a user does not pass the NCLEX for the first time after utilizing Kaplan's resource, the user will receive a full refund (based on eligibility criteria).
Cons of Kaplan NCLEX-RN
Some of the cons of Kaplan NCLEX-RN study prep are:
- Cost: Kaplan NCLEX review courses can be expensive, making them less affordable for some students on a tight budget.
- Overwhelming Content: The comprehensive nature of Kaplan's study materials can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for students who prefer a more concise and focused approach to studying.
- Limited Mobile Access: While Kaplan offers mobile apps, the functionality and access to study materials may be limited compared to the desktop version, potentially restricting studying on the go.
- Less Focus on Test-Taking Strategies: While Kaplan provides valuable content review, some students feel that there could be more emphasis on test-taking strategies and tips specific to the NCLEX exam.
- Learning Style Suitability: Kaplan's teaching style and approach may not resonate with all students, as everyone has different learning preferences and needs.
It's important to consider these pros and cons in relation to individual learning styles, preferences, and financial circumstances when deciding whether Kaplan NCLEX is the right test prep option for you.
Kaplan NCLEX-RN Pricing Options
Kaplan has a few different pricing options, which will vary depending on the type of studying a student may require. The following are the pricing options offered:
Self-Paced
- $425 for 6 months
- Content video library
- 2,100+ Qbank questions
- 3 full-length Computer Adaptive Tests
- NCLEX Channel
- Decision Tree Method
- NCLEX-RN Content Review Guide
- 700+ page eBook
Practice Pack
From $129 – Computer Adaptive Test
- 180 Day Access
- Includes the 3 full-length, adaptive tests designed to mimic the NCLEX algorithm.
$159 – Just the QBank
- 180 Day Access
- QBank with 2,100+ questions
$229 – QBank + Cat
- 180 Day Access
- QBank with 2,100+ questions
- 3 full-length CATs
$ 279 – Practice Pack
- 180 Day Access
- QBank with 2,100+ questions
- 3 full-length CATs
- 24/7 access to live or recorded sessions
Related: Picmonic NCLEX-RN Review: Enhance Exam Success with Visual Learning
Live Online
- $525 for 6 months
- 18 hours of live instruction in an online classroom
- Question-based lessons
- 2,100+ QBank questions
- 3 full-length CATs
- NCLEX Channel to livestream or watch later
- Decision Tree method
- Content videos with 300+ topics
- NCLEX-RN Content Review Guide
- 700+ page eBook
Kaplan NCLEX-RN Curriculum
Through its extensive study materials such as textbooks, video lectures, and practice questions, Kaplan NCLEX-RN test preparation provides students with comprehensive and detailed information necessary to excel in the exam.
It covers various subjects, including but not only:
- Pharmacology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
Kaplan NCLEX-RN Platform and Usability
Kaplan's NCLEX-RN platform is designed to provide students with a user-friendly and efficient studying experience. The platform offers a range of features and tools that enhance usability and make the learning process more accessible and interactive.
One notable aspect of Kaplan's platform is its intuitive interface, which allows students to navigate the study materials and resources effortlessly. The platform is organized into different sections, including content review, practice questions, and performance tracking, making it easy for students to locate and access the needed materials.
It also offers various study modes, such as creating custom quizzes or taking simulated exams. These options allow students to tailor their study sessions to their needs and preferences.
Related: UWorld NCLEX-RN Review: A Test Prep with Great Practice Questions
Kaplan's platform also provides comprehensive performance analytics, allowing students to track their progress and identify areas for improvement, with detailed feedback that helps students focus on weak areas and optimize their study time effectively.
Moreover, Kaplan offers mobile apps for iOS and Android. The mobile apps provide convenient access to study materials, practice questions, and other resources, allowing students to maximize their time and study on the go, even with busy schedules.
While the platform is generally user-friendly, some students may find the extensive content and features overwhelming. However, Kaplan provides ample support through tutorials, customer service, and online forums.
Overall, Kaplan's NCLEX-RN platform is designed with usability, providing students with a seamless and interactive learning experience. It's intuitive interface, study modes, performance analytics, and mobile accessibility offer an effective and efficient test preparation journey.
