The Texas Board of Nursing voted July 18 to grant initial approval to Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) to establish a new Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program at its Universal City campus with an annual cohort of 30 students, beginning fall 2025. The board’s order approves staff recommendations and attaches conditions from the May survey visit.

Why it matters: NLC’s proposed program aims to increase nursing education capacity in the fast-growing San Antonio suburbs adjacent to Randolph Air Force Base. The college emphasized student-centered supports and a curriculum grounded in the Texas concept-based framework and DECs (Differentiated Essential Competencies).

What the college told the board: Dr. Crystal Salsbury, the proposed executive director for the ADN program, described a regional needs assessment showing strong population and job growth across Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties and said, “the program is designed to be completed in 2 years, a total of 60 credit hours, using a face to face delivery method.” College president Veronica Garcia highlighted partnerships with local hospitals and student-support services, while academic and student-success vice presidents described tutoring, embedded supports, and advising that the college said will support a diverse student body including veterans, parents and adult learners.

Board review and questions: Board members asked about OB clinical placements, faculty hiring plans and the program’s heavy first semester. NLC representatives said clinical placements are secured or in negotiation with local systems and that the program includes embedded tutoring and targeted student supports. Education consultants who visited the campus reported a well-equipped simulation lab, clear student services, and financial plans the board found acceptable.

Outcome and conditions: Rick Williams moved the approval; Ken Johnson seconded and the board approved the request. The board’s approval letter requires NLC to meet standard reporting and condition items from the survey visit. Staff will monitor initial outcomes, faculty hiring and clinical placement fulfillment.

What’s next: The college plans to admit its first cohort in fall 2025 and maintain annual cohorts of 30 for the first three years; the program may seek expansion later if outcomes and placements support growth. The board will review program reports and NCLEX pass-rate data as the first cohorts progress.