Your Next Steps
Get up to speed on the coursework and clinical requirements affecting some Nightingale graduates, the program changes we're planning, and the support available for your next step.
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Last updated: Friday, November 6, 2026
What the BRN is Requesting
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) is requiring some Nightingale graduates seeking California RN licensure to complete additional coursework and clinical hours before authorizing them to take the NCLEX-RN.
Based on Nightingale's review of the BRN's letters, these requirements may include up to 140 additional direct patient care hours, including:
- 30 hours in obstetrics
- 30 hours in pediatrics
These specialty hours are included within the potential 140 hours and must be completed alongside the corresponding theory coursework. Requirements depend on the individual applicant's BRN review.
Why the Timing Matters
The issue involves both the number of clinical hours and when they were completed. Taking clinical experiences alongside the related theory coursework is called concurrency.
How Nightingale Is Responding
Nightingale disputes the BRN's assessment and maintains that its curriculum meets published requirements for clinical hours and concurrency. We're providing additional coursework to address the requirements the BRN has identified while continuing our legal challenge.
Completing additional coursework does not guarantee California RN licensure. The BRN makes individual licensing decisions.
What to Know Before You Enroll
Spring 2027 Start
January 11, 2027
Application Deadline
November 30, 2026
5:00 p.m. MST
BSN Accreditation
CCNE
Normal Program Length
8 semesters
32 months
Program Changes
Nightingale plans to update the BSN curriculum beginning in Spring 2027 to address the requirements the BRN is currently applying.
Because those requirements are still evolving, some details may change as Nightingale continues working to understand and respond to the BRN’s expectations. At this time, we do not anticipate these updates extending the normal length of the BSN program. We’ll share confirmed updates as they become available.
Planning for California Licensure
The BRN makes individual licensure decisions. Planned curriculum changes and accreditation do not guarantee California RN licensure. Review the current requirements as part of your enrollment decision.
California RN Licensure Requirements →
Costs and Support
Tuition is $655 per credit, plus applicable fees. Accepted transfer credits may reduce the number of credits you need to complete at Nightingale and can affect your individual program cost.
California learners should also plan for expenses related to required out-of-state travel. An Advisor can help you review your program plan, and Learner Funding Advising can help you explore financial aid and other funding options.
Questions to Discuss with an Advisor
- What is confirmed for my intended start, and how could planned changes affect my completion time?
- How will my prior coursework be evaluated for transfer credit?
- What tuition, fees, and financial resources should I review for my program plan?
- What should I plan for in travel expenses, time away, and scheduling notice?
- What California licensure requirements and uncertainties should I understand before enrolling?
Use your conversation to review what is known and identify which details still need to be confirmed before you enroll.
What This Means for Current Learners
Coursework, Licensure, & Timing
Nightingale plans to begin BSN curriculum adjustments in Spring 2027 for current and future learners. For current learners, the published plan is to build the additional material into the regular curriculum. Details may change as the College works to address the BRN's stated requirements.
Contact your learner support team to confirm which changes apply to your cohort, how the coursework and related clinical experiences fit into your program plan, and what they may mean for your expected completion date.
Costs & Financial Resources
Nightingale's published plan is to incorporate the additional course material into the regular curriculum at no additional cost to current learners. Confirm how this applies to your program plan.
For questions about your financial aid or the effect of enrollment changes, contact Learner Funding Advising before adjusting your schedule.
Financial support: fundingadvising@nightingale.edu
Your Next Step
Connect with your learner support team to review your academic plan and any actions you need to take.
What Graduates Need to Know
Additional Coursework
Start with the requirements identified in your BRN correspondence. Nightingale has developed additional coursework in:
- BSN 491: Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- BSN 492: Pediatric Nursing
The latest Catalog addendum incorporates the former supervised integrative practicum hours into these two courses.
Enrollment is limited, so review current eligibility, availability, and enrollment instructions. The additional courses are offered without tuition or other costs directly associated with the courses for eligible graduates.
Additional Coursework and Enrollment Information →
Licensure Options
If you're pursuing California licensure, use your individual BRN requirements to guide your next steps.
If you're considering applying in another state, review that state's requirements and Nightingale's information about eligible application-cost reimbursement. Licensure in another state does not automatically qualify you for California licensure.
Other-State Application and Reimbursement Information →
California Licensure by Endorsement →
Financial Resources During a Delay
- Nightingale Bridge Loans or eligible cash-pay balances: Contact bursar@nightingale.edu about payment forbearance for documented California BRN delays.
- Federal or private student loans: Contact defaultprevention@nightingale.edu for guidance. These loans are separate from Nightingale's institutional forbearance program.
Payment Forbearance Details →
Your Next Step
Get help reviewing your BRN correspondence, understanding the available coursework, and identifying the support that applies to your situation.
Get Graduate Support
Nightingale's History in California
Nightingale has served California learners and graduates since before the pandemic, with its presence in the state growing significantly in the years that followed.
We’re proud of the nearly 2,000 Nightingale graduates who have received California RN licensure. Today, we’re working to support graduates facing licensure delays while continuing to serve more than 8,000 current California learners.
Stay Informed
California BRN Background and Latest Updates
Read the fuller explanation of the BRN's requirements, Nightingale's response, and the latest developments affecting California learners and graduates.
View California BRN Information and Updates →Support Links
Talk with an Advisor →Contact Learner Support →
Get Graduate Support →