The current nursing shortage has challenged colleges to educate nurses at a faster pace than in previous times. Successful completion of the nursing programs and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) exam is important for the students, faculty, and nursing programs. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the possible predictors of completing the baccalaureate nursing program at a college in the eastern part of the United States and passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Using Spearman's classical test theory and Seidman's retention formula as theoretical foundations, this study investigated historical data from 2 graduating classes of the Bachelor of Science (BSN) nursing program to determine whether the admission variables of the preprogram grade point averages (GPA), American College Testing (ACT) scores, course grades in anatomy and physiology, and/or the Health Education System Inc. (HESI) Exit Exam scores could predict who was most likely to complete the nursing program, as well as pass the NCLEX-RN. A non-experimental study using the Pearson R correlational test identified a significant relationship (p < 0.01) between the preprogram GPA, ACT scores, anatomy grades, and the HESI Exit Exam scores with the completion of the BSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN. A prenursing course will be developed to help prepare students for the expectations of the program. The implications for positive social change include addressing the nursing shortage by decreasing nursing student attrition and increasing the number of nursing graduates, thereby improving healthcare throughout the United States. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]