Sstate Board pulls approval of Salem U program

FYI: http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201306170129

A state board is withdrawing its approval of Salem International University's associate degree in nursing program.

Salem did not correct deficiencies identified by the Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses in February, and it did not stop admissions into programs progressing toward a nursing degree until it complied with state requirements, the board said in a June 13 letter to Dr. Susie White, director of Salem's nursing program.

Students were not notified that the opportunity to begin nursing courses in April was being delayed until Salem corrected the deficiencies, the board's letter said.

The withdrawal of approval is effective at midnight Aug. 31.

Salem officials didn't immediately respond to a telephone message Monday.

The board's letter also said that Salem has not maintained at least an 80 percent passing rate by first-time candidates taking the licensure examination, according to the letter.

"Salem continues to suffer from the results of the lack of decision making authority for the nursing department," the letter stated. "The Director does not have the authority to make needed decisions for the program and decisions made by the Director have not been supported by University Administration."

The board directed Salem to help any student enrolled in the associate degree in nursing program with transferring credits to an accredited university.