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Bill > SB953
VA SB953
VA SB953Practical nursing programs, certain; transferability to registered nursing programs, etc.
summary
Introduced
01/06/2025
01/06/2025
In Committee
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
Crossed Over
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Passed
03/07/2025
03/07/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
03/24/2025
03/24/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Certain practical nursing programs; common curriculum; transferability to registered nursing programs; pathway of stackable credentials. Requires the Virginia Community College System, in consultation with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Board of Nursing, and representatives from associate-degree-granting public institutions of higher education that offer nursing programs, to develop a common curriculum for practical nursing programs that shall be implemented at each comprehensive community college in the System that offers a practical nursing program. The bill requires such common curriculum, to the extent possible, to (i) align with the degree requirements for registered nursing programs offered at associate-degree-granting public institutions of higher education and (ii) be transferable to each registered nursing program offered at an associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education. The bill requires each associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education that offers a registered nursing degree program to participate in a practical nursing program to registered nursing program transfer agreement with the System that aligns with the practical nursing program common curriculum established pursuant to the bill and permits any private institution of higher education that offers a registered nursing degree program to be consulted regarding and participate on a voluntary basis in such a transfer agreement. The bill also (a) requires the System to establish a pathway of stackable nursing credentials that consists of a practical nursing to associate registered nursing to bachelor of science in nursing program pathway; (b) directs the System to develop and implement the common curriculum for practical nursing programs by July 1, 2026; and (c) directs the System to submit a progress report to the chairs of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Education by December 1, 2025. The provisions of the bill relating to the development of the common curriculum for practical nursing programs have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill incorporates SB 791 and is identical to HB 2548.
AI Summary
This bill aims to standardize and improve practical nursing education in Virginia by requiring the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) to develop a common curriculum for practical nursing programs across comprehensive community colleges. The bill mandates that this curriculum, to be implemented by July 1, 2026, should align as closely as possible with registered nursing (RN) degree requirements and be transferable to RN programs at public associate-degree-granting institutions. Additionally, the bill requires these institutions to participate in transfer agreements that facilitate student progression, and encourages voluntary participation from private institutions. The legislation also calls for creating a "stackable credentials" pathway that allows students to progressively advance from practical nursing to associate RN to bachelor of science in nursing programs. To ensure accountability, the VCCS must submit a progress report to legislative education committees by December 1, 2025, detailing the implementation of these new educational standards. This approach seeks to create a more seamless and accessible nursing education system in Virginia, making it easier for students to advance their nursing careers.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0465) (on 03/24/2025)
Official Document
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