|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. W. Curtis Thomas |
|
Thomas resolution to evaluate low-performing nursing schools approved by the House Professional Licensure Committee
HARRISBURG, June 26 – State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., announced that his legislation (H.R. 360) to study low-performing nursing schools was approved by the House Professional Licensure Committee this week.
Under the proposal, the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs would be directed to review the effectiveness of professional nursing education programs in preparing students for the registered nurse licensure examination, and to provide recommendations for improving passage rates for low-performing schools.
Thomas said he is concerned that many nursing schools across the state are showing high failure rates that are not being addressed.
"By studying why the failures are happening and finding out what can be done to improve the quality of these programs, I hope at least to find some relief for nursing students who are struggling with student loans and are unable to work in their field," Thomas said.
Thomas said he would like the bureau to make recommendations regarding how to allow for simpler transferability between nursing programs, how to allow nursing students to work in the health-care industry while they pursue their certification and how to reduce failure rates and student loan debt.
The measure now goes to the full House for consideration.