Nursing Update

Nursing Program Approval Status

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges’ Nursing Program is currently designated by the Iowa Board of Nursing as being on Conditional Approval Status and Improvement Status.

Improvement Status is related to the program’s NCLEX pass rate falling below the Iowa Board of Nursing’s required 80% benchmark.

Conditional Approval Status is related to the timing of EICC’s normal accreditation and program review process. The college requested additional time to complete required steps, including a self-study and site visit. Because that extension goes beyond the program’s current approval period, the program will remain on Conditional Approval Status until the review is complete.

Public notification of these designations is required under Iowa Administrative Code rule 481—616.5(3) and Iowa Administrative Code rule 481—616.17(6).

EICC is actively implementing a comprehensive improvement plan focused on student success and NCLEX preparation. This work includes curriculum enhancements, updated exam-preparation resources, faculty development, targeted academic and clinical support, enhanced testing analytics, and continued investments in nursing labs and equipment.

Students may continue progressing through the program, graduating and, upon meeting all applicable requirements, applying to take the NCLEX licensure examination.

What We Are Doing to Strengthen Nursing Student Success

Nursing students should have confidence that their education is preparing them to graduate, pass the NCLEX-RN licensing exam, and enter the nursing profession. EICC has been implementing changes to strengthen the Nursing Program, and additional improvements are planned through 2027. We are already seeing progress. The ADN first-time NCLEX pass rate increased from 70.09% in 2025 to 80.8% year to date in 2026. We will continue looking closely at student performance and NCLEX results so we can build on what is working and make changes where students need more support.

Improving Testing and NCLEX Preparation

What we are doing: We are making testing more consistent and giving students more structured preparation for the NCLEX.

• Nursing exams will be given in a consistent, live-proctored testing environment.
• Students will receive NCLEX-style testing and practice throughout the program.
• All students will complete structured NCLEX preparation during their final semester.
• Faculty will review test results with students, so they understand where they are doing well and where they need more practice.
• Students who fall below established benchmarks will meet with a faculty mentor to review their results, identify areas that need improvement, and develop a focused remediation plan.
• EICC will provide additional resources to help students strengthen their skills in areas including anatomy and physiology, dosage calculations, medical terminology, and academic success skills.

Providing Help Earlier

What we are doing: We want to identify academic concerns sooner and give students specific ways to get help.

• Faculty will regularly review student performance to identify those who may need additional help.
• Students who are struggling can meet individually with nursing faculty to review their performance and develop a plan for improvement.
• Nursing-specific tutoring is now available online through Canvas.
• Testing Center hours have been expanded to 7 p.m. for two nights each week at the Scott Campus, giving students additional evening access. 
• Nursing faculty now offer Saturday office hours, which increases access to students who can’t meet during the week.
• The Scott campus has three dedicated nursing academic advisors to help students understand program requirements, expectations, and available resources.

Giving Students a Clear Plan When They Struggle

What we are doing: Students who have difficulty in a course will have a clear, structured plan for addressing the areas they need to improve.

• Students seeking to repeat a nursing course will work with faculty to identify the knowledge and skills they need to strengthen.
• Students will receive specific activities and resources to help them prepare before returning to the course.
• Expectations will be clear, so students know what they need to complete before re-enrolling.
• Faculty will work with students throughout the process rather than leaving them to determine the next steps on their own.

Increasing Hands-On Practice

What we are doing: Students will have more opportunities to practice making nursing decisions and responding to realistic patient-care situations before they enter the workplace.

• Beginning in Spring 2027, every nursing course will include at least one required simulation experience.
• Students will spend more time practicing skills such as assessing patients, making clinical decisions, communicating with the healthcare team, and responding to changes in a patient's condition.
• Students at different EICC campuses will receive more consistent simulation experiences.
• Faculty will receive additional training, so simulation activities reflect current nursing education and NCLEX expectations.

Making the Student Experience More Consistent

What we are doing: Students should receive clear and consistent expectations, regardless of their campus, course, or clinical instructor.

• New clinical instructors will receive a structured orientation before working with students.
• Clinical instructors will receive clear information about course expectations and learning outcomes.
• Nursing faculty and clinical instructors will work together, so classroom, simulation, and clinical expectations are better aligned.
• Faculty will receive additional training and resources to support consistent teaching and student evaluation across the nursing program.

Improving Advising and Communication

What we are doing: We want students to know what is expected of them and where to go when they have questions.

• Dedicated nursing advisors will help students understand program requirements and available resources.
• Students at all campuses and locations will receive consistent information about nursing program policies and expectations.
• Faculty, advisors, and nursing leadership will work together, so students receive clearer answers and guidance.
• Admissions and readmission decisions will follow more consistent processes across the nursing program.

Checking Our Progress and Making Changes When Needed

What we are doing: We will continue looking at the results to make sure these changes are helping students succeed.

• We will review NCLEX pass rates throughout the year.
• We will monitor course completion, testing results, and other measures of student success.
• We will look for areas where students are consistently struggling.
• Faculty will use that information to adjust teaching, student support, testing, simulation, or curriculum when needed.
• We will continue evaluating these efforts and making improvements based on student results.

Commitment

Our commitment is clear: support students, strengthen the Nursing Program, and improve outcomes. We will continue reviewing student performance, NCLEX results, and the effectiveness of the changes already underway. When the data show that something needs to improve, we will make adjustments. We will also continue listening to students and faculty, strengthening support, and building on the progress already being made. We want all of our nursing students to succeed in the program, graduate, pass the NCLEX, and enter the profession with confidence.

Student FAQ | Nursing Program Approval Status

For more information, contact:

Carrie Jackson, RHIA, M.Ed.
Dean of Health Programs
Eastern Iowa Community College
500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf, IA 52722
563.441.4108 | eicc.edu/health