Skip to Main Content

The Kaplan Decision Tree is a critical thinking method that helps students demonstrate sound clinical judgment on test day and beyond. Students will learn the skills to deduce their way to the correct answer using prioritization strategies.

NGN-Aligned with the NCSBN’s clinical judgment measurement model, the Kaplan Decision Tree has been taught for almost four decades to develop critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and safe clinical judgment skills.  

Prioritization Strategies

The Decision Tree gives students a path from identifying problems and prioritizing them to applying solutions to the highest priority.

Clinical Judgment Focus for Next-Gen NCLEX® Alignment

The Kaplan Decision Tree is a model for approaching decision making in a high-stakes environment.

5 Simple Steps

We walk students through 5 steps they can easily retain and recall when faced with decisions.

Solution Driven

The Decision Tree gives students a path from identifying problems and prioritizing them to applying solutions to the highest priority.

Successful Outcomes

Along the way, students are encouraged to critically assess their decisions to predict possible outcomes, and evaluate actual outcomes.

Learn More About Our Resources for Institutions

Nursing faculty and administrators: schedule a demo to view the tests, video library, and skill-building resources.


By clicking “Submit”, I agree to Kaplan’s terms and conditions and privacy policy.