PHX Reporter

Aspen University reached an agreement with a state board after it found the university's nursing program was underperforming, KPNX reported. The Arizona State Board of Nursing revoked the university's provisional approval and put the school on probation for at least two years.

"Aspen previously instituted an improvement plan, which it believes is beginning to show results," the university said, according to KPNX. "It welcomes the opportunity to work closely with the board and its staff in making additional improvements to its program through the terms of this agreement."

One part of the agreement details how students perform on the NCLEX exam, which nursing students need to pass in order to receive their license.

Aspen University's NCLEX first-time pass rate for the calendar year 2021 was 58.0%, KPNX reported. 

Part of the agreement read, "Failure to achieve the NCLEX first-time pass rate of a minimum of 80% for the calendar year 2022 or violations of the order may result in board review for the possible lifting of the stay of revocation," according to KPNX.

"Respondent shall provide the board with accurate and complete monthly reports regarding its pre-licensure nursing program," the agreement continued. 

The university will not be allowed to admit students into their core nursing program until a year after NCLEX scores are above 80%, which is required by Arizona law, KPNX reported.