Texas board recommends conditional approval for Belltech Career Institute nursing program

The Texas Board of Nursing has recommended a shift to conditional approval for Belltech Career Institute in Houston due to a concerning drop in student pass rates. The board's decision follows a significant decline in the program's performance, with a pass rate of only 60% in 2024, down from 71.43% in 2022 and 68.97% in 2023. This marks three consecutive years below the 80% threshold deemed acceptable for nursing programs.

Kiki Bello, the program director, addressed the board, attributing the struggles to faculty turnover and challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized ongoing efforts to improve pass rates and mentioned that the program currently has 14 students enrolled, with 8 having graduated recently. Of those, 5 have passed the NCLEX exam, while 2 are still awaiting results.

Despite these efforts, board members expressed skepticism about the program's ability to produce clinically competent nurses. Concerns were raised about the reliance on standardized testing and the adequacy of the curriculum in preparing students for real-world nursing challenges. The board highlighted the importance of protecting public safety and ensuring that nursing graduates are well-equipped for their roles.

The board's recommendation for conditional approval means that Belltech may not admit new students until the program demonstrates improved pass rates in the upcoming year. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by nursing programs in maintaining educational standards and the critical need for effective faculty and curriculum management. The board will continue to monitor Belltech's progress closely, with the next evaluation expected in 2025.