Merritt College nursing program secures $1.15M grant for curriculum overhaul

The Board of Registered Nursing's Education Licensing Committee convened on April 17, 2025, to discuss the compliance status of several nursing programs in California, including Merritt College, Copper Mountain College, and Fresno City College. The meeting focused on the progress these institutions have made in addressing previous noncompliance issues identified during inspections.

Merritt College reported significant strides in rectifying its noncompliance issues, aided by a $1.15 million grant aimed at rebuilding nursing infrastructure. The college's administration expressed strong support for the nursing program, emphasizing the hiring of new faculty and the engagement of a curriculum consultant to enhance educational quality. The committee acknowledged the college's proactive measures, including voluntarily limiting student enrollment to ensure quality improvements.

Copper Mountain College also presented updates on its compliance efforts. The new program director highlighted ongoing curriculum revisions and the hiring of additional faculty to strengthen the program. Despite some remaining noncompliance areas, the committee noted the college's commitment to improvement and the establishment of a supportive administrative structure.

Fresno City College, under new leadership, reported progress in addressing compliance issues, particularly in faculty management and documentation. The interim director emphasized the importance of tracking faculty qualifications and the establishment of new administrative roles to support nursing education. The college has also secured funding to enhance its compliance efforts.

The committee ultimately decided to defer action on the continuing approval status for these programs, recommending that they return for quarterly updates until all noncompliance issues are resolved. This approach aims to ensure that the programs maintain focus on compliance while providing the necessary support for improvement.

The meeting underscored the board's commitment to maintaining high educational standards in nursing programs across California, prioritizing student success and public safety in the nursing profession.