Texas Board considers conditional approval for Chamberlain College nursing program in Pearland

The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss significant changes regarding the approval status of the Chamberlain College of Nursing's baccalaureate degree program in Pearland. The meeting highlighted concerns over the program's declining NCLEX pass rates, which have fallen below the 80% threshold for three consecutive years.

Dr. Victoria Craig, the Pearland Campus President, presented the case to the board, noting that the program, initially approved in 2016, had previously maintained a pass rate above 80%. However, recent statistics revealed a troubling trend: the pass rate dropped to 74.62% in 2022 and further declined to 72.4% in 2024. These figures prompted the board to change the program's approval status from full approval with warning to conditional approval.

In response to the declining performance, Chamberlain College submitted a comprehensive self-study report and implemented corrective measures aimed at improving student outcomes. Despite these efforts, the 2023 pass rate only slightly improved to 78.16%. The board's decision reflects a commitment to maintaining educational standards and ensuring that nursing graduates are adequately prepared for licensure.

Representatives from Chamberlain College, including Dr. Dena Hewitt and Dr. Ilsa Wallace, expressed confidence in their ability to enhance the program's performance under Dr. Craig's leadership. They outlined their plans to address the issues and improve future pass rates.

The board's recommendation for conditional approval underscores the importance of accountability in nursing education and the ongoing efforts to support student success in Texas. Further discussions and evaluations will be necessary to monitor the program's progress in the coming years.