ATI

& NCLEX/RN Testing Policies for Undergraduate Progression

The College of Nursing has developed a four-semester plan in collaboration with the Center for
Academic Excellence (CAE) and Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) that has proven to be a
successful method to prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This plan will prepare the
student for success in all clinical & specialty courses in the program, and ultimately the NCLEX-RN
licensing exam that must be passed upon graduation.

Students are expected to monitor their ATI proctored test results throughout their plan of
study. Any student who does not attain a Level 2 or greater on their first attempt on four out of
seven ATI proctored tests, will be recommended to purchase and successfully complete the
Virtual ATI Review Program (an external NCLEX Review Course), at their own expense.
Satisfactory completion of the NCLEX-RN licensing exam will then allow the graduate to move
forward to practice as a Registered Nurse.

ATI PRACTICE TESTS
All students are required to complete the assigned ATI Practice Test, at least 7 days prior to the
proctored exam. Any student who does not complete the ATI practice test by the specified
deadline as noted in the syllabus, will have one point deducted from their final course grade.

ATI PROCTORED TESTS
All students are required to take the ATI Proctored Test related to the required clinical or
specialty course, and achieve a score of Level 2 or greater. Students who do not achieve a
score of Level 2 or greater on the first attempt, will be issued a personalized ATI & NCLEX-RN
Success Contract within 48 hours of taking the ATI Proctored Test. Students who receive a
Success Contract must sign and return the contract and follow through with the requirements
within 5 business days. Students will then have one opportunity to retake the ATI Proctored
Test following completion of the criteria set forth within the Success Contract. If a student fails
to complete the criteria, the student will not be allowed to retake the ATI Proctored Test and will
have four points deducted from their final course grade. Also, any student who does not achieve
a score of Level 2 or greater on their retake of the ATI Proctored Test, will have four points
deducted from their final course grade.

RECOMMENDED ATI SUCCESS RESOURCES:
1. ATI Success Coordinator at College of Nursing.
2. Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) Content Mastery Series and (ATI) Testing Series.
3. Exam Master Online NCLEX-RN computer-based testing system available through the
MUSC Library Databases, which i s a licensed board preparation a n d review
tool for nurses studying t o t ake t he N CLEX- RN e xam.
http://musc.myexammaster.com.ezproxy-v.musc.edu/

4. NCLEX-RN review books with computer-based testing programs recommended by
faculty.
5. ATI Skills Modules.

FOURTH SEMESTER STUDENTS

All fourth semester students must successfully complete the following:
1. Medical-Surgical ATI Tests (practice and proctored; see policies listed above)
2. Attend and participate in the mandatory CON-designated NCLEX-RN live review course for
completion of NURSU 455.
PLEASE NOTE: Attendance will be taken several times throughout each day.
3. ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Test
The students grade on their first attempt ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Test will
be calculated into the final course grade in NURSU 455. The final score on the ATI
RN Comprehensive Predictor Test will be determined by the score conversion
method shared by the Course Coordinator.
All students must achieve the stated benchmark on the ATI RN Comprehensive
Predictor Test. Any student who does not achieve the stated benchmark on the RN
Predictor Test, will receive a personalized ATI & NCLEX-RN Success Contract.
Students who receive an ATI & NCLEX RN Success Contract must sign and return the
contract and successfully complete the criteria set forth within the Success Contract.
Students will then have one opportunity to retake the ATI RN Comprehensive
Predictor Test following the mandatory CON-designated RN live review course. If a
student fails to follow through with the criteria set forth within the Success Contract,
the student will retake the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Test, but will have two
points taken off of their final course grade. Also, any student who does not achieve
the stated benchmark on their retake of the ATI RN Comprehensive Predictor Test,
will have three points deducted from their final course grade.
It is recommended that students not achieving the benchmark on the ATI RN
Comprehensive Predictor Test, purchase and participate in the Virtual ATI program
prior to sitting for the NCLEX-RN Exam. This 6 week program provides an ATI coach
that partners with faculty to provide weekly assessments and feedback. Once the
green light is given, ATI recommends the student take the NCLEX exam in 1-2
weeks.

ENDORSEMENT TO TAKE NCLEX-RN EXAM
Following completion of NURSU 455 in the fourth semester, final course grades will be
posted, completion of all requirements for graduation will be verified, and the CON
will then mail student endorsements to the SC Board of Nursing
www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Nursing