A computer assisted instruction (CAI) program was implemented as a teaching-learning strategy to retain students with academic deficiencies and increase their chances of being successful. The CAI programs were based on curriculum, course, and specific unit objectives. The CAI programs helped reduce the number of student failures in a medical-surgical nursing course which previously had a high attrition rate. The authors discuss the potential CAI has for assisting minority and disadvantaged students in successfully completing the baccalaureate nursing program.