The Texas Board of Nursing voted unanimously July 18 to withdraw approval for Lampson Institute’s Vocational Nursing program in San Antonio and to require an approved teach‑out, student support provisions and secure transfer or record access measures. The decision followed staff findings of multiple rule noncompliance areas, curriculum gaps related to the Differentiated Essential Competencies (DECs), and a multi-year trend of low NCLEX pass rates.

Why it matters: Withdrawing program approval is a significant regulatory action that directly affects currently enrolled students and graduates; the board emphasized protecting students’ progress toward licensure and public safety by requiring a managed step-down process.

Board findings and process: Board staff had placed Lampson on conditional approval at the April 2025 meeting after a March site visit and NCLEX results showing pass rates of 57% (2023), 50% (2024), and a preliminary 45.8% for 2025 at the time of the July meeting. The board’s April order required curriculum alignment to the DECs, demonstration that clinical learning experiences covered required specialty areas (medical-surgical, geriatrics, maternity, pediatrics), appropriate clinical evaluation tools, a program director with full authority, inclusion of board-required policies in faculty handbooks, and no-cost remediation for past and current students.

Board review in July found Lampson’s June 3 response incomplete and additional concerns in several areas. Lampson representatives told the board they had instituted changes, added outreach and free virtual NCLEX review for past students, and sought to secure additional OB clinical and simulation opportunities. The school said leadership turnover and misunderstandings about the DEC rollout had impeded compliance. Board staff and education consultants reported outstanding deficits and told the board that students’ interests could be best protected by an orderly closure or teach‑out under board supervision.

Board action and direction: The board adopted a motion to withdraw Lampson’s approval and required the institution, within two weeks, to submit a board‑approved teach‑out plan and academic provisions ensuring current students can complete the program or transfer with a clear pathway to completion. The board also required immediate arrangements for secure storage and access to student records including transcripts. Staff will work with Lampson, other approved programs and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board as needed to facilitate student transitions.

What comes next: Lampson must comply with the board’s two‑week plan requirement and continue to serve currently enrolled students under the board‑approved teach‑out or transfer arrangements. The board noted Lampson may reapply for approval at least one year after the last student completes the teach‑out and after the institution addresses the documented deficiencies.