Tarleton StateUniversity nursing program moves from conditional to full approval after NCLEX gains

The Texas Board of Nursing voted to change the approval status of Tarleton State University's baccalaureate degree nursing program in Stephenville from conditional to full approval, based on the school's preliminary 2024 NCLEX-RN pass rate and evidence of compliance with rule 215.

Board staff said Tarleton's preliminary NCLEX pass rate for 2024 was 94.67% and noted the program had improved markedly after earlier challenges: 54.17% in 2022 and 74.76% in 2023, the board packet showed. Staff told the board the program had addressed prior areas for improvement identified in a 2023 focused survey and that its national and regional accreditations remained active.

Doctor Michael Leje, Tarleton's newly appointed dean of the School of Nursing, and Ramona Parker, executive dean and interim dean during the improvements, appeared with senior students in the boardroom. Students told the board they felt prepared for the NCLEX and expressed gratitude for faculty support.

After staff presentation and comments from campus representatives, Ken Johnson moved that the board change the program's status from conditional to full approval; Rick Williams seconded. Board members voted and the motion passed; the transcript records the vote as unanimous.

Board staff noted the program's improvement was the result of administrative and curricular changes and engagement by state education consultants. The board's order will reflect compliance with rule 215 and the enrollment parameters and monitoring required by the board's approval letter.