Students

This page contains an accumulation of guidelines and information, posted throughout the BON website, that are of particular interest to students pursuing nursing

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS SEEKING TO ENROLL IN A NURSING PROGRAM

Student

Approved Texas Programs and NCLEX® Pass Rates

The Texas BON does not approve/accredit out-of-state nursing education programs, including correspondence/online courses/programs. The BON only approves and regulates nursing education programs in the State of Texas. According to state statutes, the Texas Board does recognize graduates from pre-licensure nursing education programs that are approved/accredited by other state boards of nursing as being eligible to apply to take the NCLEX examination and apply for licensure in Texas or to endorse into Texas if initially licensed as a nurse in another state.

Background Checks and Fingerprinting

Criminal background checks are performed on all applicants for Licensure in Texas. A criminal background check must be completed through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) based on the set of fingerprints you provide to MorphoTrust. The BON cannot accept fingerprint cards or criminal background check results mailed by the applicant, or results that were completed for another facility, even if the previous check was completed through the DPS and the FBI.

Information regarding Fingerprint Cards and Requirements for Candidates for Licensure by NCLEX pdf

Becoming a Nursing Student

Internationally Educated Students

NCSBN guide for International Students

Complaints to the BON about Nursing Programs

There are 2 types of complaint: signed complaints and anonymous complaints:

Complaints submitted to the BON that are signed by the complainant:
Board Staff acknowledges receipt of the complaint to the complainant.
Board Staff forwards a written notice of complaint to the program director with a description of the complaint but the name of the complainant is kept confidential.
Board Staff request a response to the complaint with a specific due date.
Board Staff review the response from the program director.
Further action may be taken depending upon: evidence of noncompliance with Board rules, the severity of the complaint, and the number of people included as complainant. Board Staff may find the issue resolved, file a report with Enforcement, make a survey visit, or refer to other regulatory or accreditation agencies.

Complaints submitted to the BON that are unsigned:
Board Staff communicate the nature of the complaint to the program director.
Board Staff request a response to the complaint with a specific due date.
Board Staff review the response from the program director.
Board Staff may view the issue as resolved or determine that further investigation is needed.

NCLEX® Examination

Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) and the NCLEX

An informational video, produced under the guidance of NCSBN's Examinations department, to explain computer adaptive testing (CAT) and how it is used by NCLEX to measure the competencies needed to perform safely and effectively as a newly licensed, entry-level nurse. CAT is a method for administering exams that merges computer technology with modern measurement theory to increase the efficiency of the exam process. Topics covered include item selection and pass/fail rules.