Nursing Trends
The debate of whether Kaplan or NCLEX is harder is one that has been ongoing for some time now. There are many who believe that Kaplan is more challenging because it offers a comprehensive review of the nursing discipline.
Some, on the other hand, think that NCLEX is harder because it is focused more on real-world skills. In reality, both exams are challenging and require a lot of preparation.
In this article, we want to take a closer look at exactly what is going on with the debate of Kaplan vs. NCLEX. Let us also try to determine once and for all which examination is harder.
Kaplan Vs. NCLEX
When it comes to nursing school, there are a variety of different ways to prepare for your exam. Some people might try to go through a series of practice questions, while others may take live quizzes from their favorite prep company.
However, many students have been curious about which one is better: Kaplan or NCLEX? In this brief, we will explore what each one offers and how they compare so that you can make a more educated decision on which path is right for you.
Getting into nursing school is difficult in itself. But you also have to spend time studying for your boards just like you would with any other final exam. Of course, you want to make sure that you are making the right choice when it comes to which study guides you will be using.
Kaplan vs. NCLEX: What is Kaplan?
Kaplan has been in business for over three decades, and they have helped thousands of students prepare for their exams. According to the Kaplan website, Kaplans global network of more than 700 employees provides personalized support to every student who takes our courses.
The organization also promises that you will get individualized attention when it comes time to prepare for your exams. In fact, they have been so successful in this area that many nursing students consider them to be the “largest private provider of NCLEX review.”
The company has a wide variety of options when it comes to studying for your boards, including live seminars you can take advantage of if you are local, online courses, and even an in-person option in some areas.
When you purchase your guide, they will also provide you with all of the resources you need to succeed, including “step-by-step solutions.”
Kaplan vs. NCLEX: What is the NCLEX?
NCLEX stands for National Council Licensure Examination, which is a standardized test that all nurses in the United States must pass before they can begin their careers. In order to take this exam, you have to complete nursing school and get your license from your state board.
The NCLEX is a computerized assessment that consists of a few different sections, including a video section with different patient scenarios, a written section, and a ‘critical thinking’ section.
However, not all nursing programs are the same. Some might even have their own exams, which you have to take before completing your degree or getting your license.
Ultimately, this test is meant to ensure that you are ready for real-world scenarios as a nurse.
Kaplan vs. NCLEX: What is the Difference?
It is clear that both Kaplan and the NCLEX are great options when it comes to studying for your nurse exam. However, where most students get stuck is in deciding between them.
Some people believe that the NCLEX is a better option because it has a higher pass rate and its price tag is significantly less than Kaplan’s. However, when you look at all of the details, it is clear that the Kaplans program offers more for your money.
When you take an NCLEX review, you will get a “one-size-fits-all” course that is meant to prepare you for your boards. The course itself will only cost $200, but it doesn’t include extra materials like quizzes or access to lectures.
This means that if you want to study more before the big day, you will have to pay for all of your materials on top of the course price.
In fact, if you want to purchase a comprehensive study guide from Kaplan, it will cost you about $900-$1500, depending on which one you choose. This is almost an amusing amount considering that Kaplan has been helping students prepare for their boards for many years.
The NCLEX review also doesn’t provide you with any live seminars or access to instructors, which means that it is a very solitary experience. You will have to study on your own for this exam.
Also, most people complain about the fact that there is a lack of community when it comes to these types of courses.
Kaplan, on the other hand, offers a variety of study materials for you to choose from. They have live seminars, comprehensive review courses with an instructor, and even online courses.
These options allow students to receive help when they need it, and many students claim that Kaplan is more engaging than its competitors.
Kaplan vs. NCLEX: Which One Should You Choose?
The NCLEX is a “one-size-fits-all” course that doesn’t include any additional materials for you to use during your preparation. It also lacks both live seminars and instructors in order to help students when they need it most.
On the other hand, Kaplan has a variety of study options that provide students with the same type of live community. That is so necessary when you are studying for an exam.
Kaplan also offers more comprehensive study materials which are “adaptive,” meaning that they actually change according to your needs during each session. When it comes down to it, Kaplan is the only option if you want a course with this level of technology and personalization.
Conclusion
When it comes to studying for your boards, there are a lot of great resources out there. In the end, they both have a very high pass rate and will provide you with everything you need to succeed.
It will ultimately come down to which one you believe is the best fit for your personal learning style and needs. We hope this comparison helped answer some of your questions.
