UTPB nursing program implements rigorous admission criteria and curriculum revisions

The Texas Board of Nursing has announced significant changes to nursing education standards aimed at improving student preparedness and success rates. During the recent board meeting on April 24, 2025, officials outlined a series of reforms that will reshape admission criteria and curriculum structure for nursing programs across the state.

One of the most impactful decisions made was the revision of admission requirements. The board recognized that many students were entering nursing programs without completing essential prerequisite courses, such as Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) and Microbiology. To address this, the board has mandated that all prerequisites must be completed before admission, ensuring that students have a solid foundation before beginning their nursing education.

Additionally, the board has implemented a new testing policy that requires prospective students to achieve a minimum score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and maintain a GPA of at least 2.75, with plans to raise this requirement to 3.0 in the future. This shift aims to create a more objective and rigorous admission process, focusing on academic readiness rather than subjective criteria.

Curriculum changes were also a focal point of the meeting. The board has introduced an additional Medical-Surgical course to enhance clinical competency and has restructured maternity and pediatric courses into sequential eight-week formats. This allows students to concentrate on one subject at a time, improving their learning experience.

In response to faculty shortages, the board is actively hiring additional nursing faculty and has introduced a dedicated ATI coach to support students through their capstone projects. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen faculty collaboration and ensure consistent adherence to program policies.

The board also discussed the introduction of a new freshman seminar designed to prepare students for nursing school by developing critical thinking and time management skills. This initiative aims to reduce learning loss and enhance student readiness before they enter the nursing program.

As these changes take effect, the Texas Board of Nursing is optimistic about improving graduation rates and student performance on the NCLEX, the national nursing licensure exam. The board will continue to monitor the impact of these reforms and adjust strategies as necessary to ensure that Texas nursing programs produce competent and well-prepared graduates.