Texas Board considers conditional approval for Lamson Institute nursing program in San Antonio

The Texas Board of Nursing convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding nursing education programs, particularly focusing on the Lamson Institute in San Antonio. The board staff proposed a change in the approval status of Lamson's Vocational Nursing Education Program from initial approval to conditional approval. This recommendation stems from ongoing concerns about the program's performance, particularly its NCLEX PN pass rates, which have consistently fallen below the state's benchmark.

The Lamson Institute, a privately owned institution under Nikhil Education Corporation, has been operating in San Antonio since 2007. It offers various healthcare training programs and is regulated by the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Veterans Commission. However, the nursing program's recent performance has raised alarms. In 2023, the pass rate for first-time candidates was only 57.14%, and it dropped to 50% in 2024. Alarmingly, preliminary data for 2025 indicates a further decline, with only 40% of candidates passing the licensure examination so far.

The board's decision to consider conditional approval reflects a serious response to these declining pass rates. The program director, Miss Bridal Thain, who was appointed in March 2025, represented the institute at the meeting. She is currently the corporate regional director of vocational and practical nursing at Las Vegas College, which operates similar programs in Nevada.

The implications of this decision are significant. Conditional approval could lead to increased scrutiny and support for the Lamson Institute, aiming to improve educational outcomes and ensure that future nursing graduates meet the necessary standards for licensure. The board's actions highlight the ongoing challenges in nursing education, particularly in maintaining quality and ensuring that programs adequately prepare students for the demands of the healthcare field.

As the board moves forward, the focus will be on monitoring the Lamson Institute's progress and addressing the issues that have led to its current status. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how nursing programs are evaluated and supported in Texas.