Board removes University of Bridgeport nursing program from conditional status

The Board of Examiners for Nursing held a meeting on May 22, 2025, to discuss significant curriculum changes and the accreditation status of nursing programs in Connecticut. A key focus was the University of Bridgeport's bachelor's degree program, which was under conditional status due to previous performance issues.

Dr. Wagner clarified that the proposed curriculum changes would not take effect for at least 12 months, leading board members to reconsider the conditional status of the program. After deliberation, board member Cindy proposed to withdraw her motion to maintain the conditional status, emphasizing the need for valuable oversight without unnecessary burdens on the institution. The board unanimously voted to remove the University of Bridgeport from conditional status, indicating confidence in the program's future.

The meeting also addressed the Porter and Chester Institute's nursing programs, specifically the Bridgeport campus. The board reviewed performance data, noting a decline in NCLEX pass rates over the past few years. A motion was made to remove the Bridgeport program from the list of accredited programs, reflecting ongoing concerns about its viability. The board's discussions highlighted the importance of maintaining high educational standards in nursing programs across the state.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to ensuring quality in nursing education while navigating the complexities of program accreditation and curriculum development. The next steps will involve continued monitoring of NCLEX scores and further evaluations of nursing programs in Connecticut.