BRN committee orders Pasadena City College back for progress updates after findings of program non‑compliance

The California Board of Registered Nursing’s Education & Licensing Committee heard staff reports that Pasadena City College’s associate degree nursing program was found to have 21 areas of non‑compliance during a continuing approval visit. Committee members were told the majority of deficiencies stemmed from administrative breakdowns and a reporting structure that prevented the board‑approved program director from exercising oversight.

Board executive staff said the board’s nursing education consultants first began meeting with the program in January 2025 and escalated concerns after follow‑up visits revealed missing documentation and meetings held without the program director. The Education & Licensing Committee was told the college classified the program director as faculty rather than administration, which the board said prevented the director from functioning under BRN regulations.

The college responded at the meeting that it has on‑boarded a BRN‑approved program director, is assembling an action plan and is conducting follow‑up with the board’s nursing education consultant. Pasadena officials told the committee they are working to restore clinical scheduling, lab resources and communication channels and said students would be kept informed of progress.

Several students and alumni gave detailed public testimony about years‑long equipment deficits, simulation‑lab problems, late or missing clinical schedules, alleged intimidation and retaliation, and concerns that clinical placements had been used without active contracts. One alumnus urged the board to consider disciplinary action against specific staff and to stop the program from operating; the committee and BRN staff responded that employment and disciplinary processes are distinct and that the BRN’s role is program oversight and licensure protection.

Committee members said they were encouraged that the college had hired an approved program director and that campus leadership had engaged with board staff. Still, several members called the problems "serious" and asked for frequent accountability. The committee voted to require Pasadena City College to return to the Education & Licensing Committee and to the full board with progress reports (first due at the June board meeting), and to consider an additional continuing approval visit to verify corrective actions and documentation.

The committee also clarified reporting and complaint pathways for students and said the BRN nursing education consultant will continue working with the program between meetings. The committee emphasized the board’s dual focus: protecting students and ensuring the program’s compliance with statutes and board rules. The board’s packets include the continuing‑approval report and the materials referenced during the meeting.

The board will review the program’s progress at subsequent meetings and expects written evidence that the 21 items cited have been addressed or have viable, documented remediation plans.