In a significant development for nursing education in Texas, the Texas Board of Nursing has recommended lifting the conditional status of Kilgore College's Vocational Nursing (VN) program, following a remarkable turnaround in its performance. During the April 18, 2024, board meeting, it was reported that the program achieved a 100% pass rate for its graduates in 2024, a stark contrast to its previous struggles.

The VN program had faced challenges in recent years, leading to a pause in new admissions and a curriculum overhaul. The board noted that the program had been placed on conditional status due to a third consecutive pass rate falling below 80%. However, the new leadership under Director Dr. Bray and the revised curriculum have shown promising results, with four students graduating and successfully passing their licensing exams this year.

Dr. Bray, who took over the program in June 2022, emphasized the rigorous standards and new guidelines implemented to ensure student success and community welfare. She highlighted the importance of the program's revival, stating that while there were no graduates in 2022, the recent success indicates a positive trajectory.

The board's recommendation to restore full approval for the VN program is contingent upon the continued success of its students and the readiness to accept new applicants. Dr. Bray expressed optimism about the future, noting that there are prospective students eager to enroll, pending the board's decision.

This decision not only reflects the hard work of the faculty and students at Kilgore College but also addresses the community's need for qualified nursing professionals. As the board moves forward with its recommendation, the focus will remain on maintaining high educational standards and supporting the next generation of nurses in Texas.