California Graduate Information Center

Official updates regarding California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) licensure matters affecting Nightingale College learners and graduates. Last Updated: July 30, 2026

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A Message from Nightingale College:
Recent News Broadcast

We are disappointed by the misleading reporting on an August 3 broadcast about the California Board of Nursing (BRN) delaying some Nightingale College graduates from taking the NCLEX test. Here are facts provided to the reporter:

Nearly 2,000 Nightingale graduates have been licensed in California. Reports coming back to us about their success and level of care in healthcare settings are very positive.
The BRN continues approving Nightingale graduates for the ATT in 2026: 416 have been licensed, 529 have tested, and one graduate tested and another was licensed on August 1.
The BRN is reviewing, not investigating, whether the College’s BSN curriculum to confirm equivalency to the course of instruction required for licensure in California. The BRN is not empowered to “investigate” our school and has stopped claiming that it is doing so.
Nightingale College has provided requested information under the BRN’s authority, but the agency has not named a single deficiency, nor has it offered any statutory and regulatory support for the July 29 claims about the “required 500 direct patient care hours.”

We expect to continue to offer education to California’s future nurses and will endeavor to work through the unnecessary hurdles posed by the BRN.

Latest Updates

Update: Monday, Aug. 10

Our follow-up meeting with the BRN is scheduled for this Thursday, Aug. 13.
During the BRN’s upcoming Board Education Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11, we request that our learners and graduates allow the committee the time they need to complete their meeting agenda and show respect to the committee if they attend.
On Friday, we added a Fall Addendum to the College Catalog that includes five extra hours added to ASN 391 and BSN 395.
These changes take effect Fall Semester 2026 and do not apply retroactively to Summer Semester 2026. 
The Addendum also added three additional state-specific courses. Currently, no state mandates these additional hours, and no learners need to enroll. These courses are added to provide flexibility to accommodate nationwide. 
The California BRN has not, to date, identified any deficiencies within our curriculum.
If it is determined that more hours for Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 graduates are needed, we will provide adjustments.

Update: Thursday, Aug. 6

Stay informed with the latest developments regarding the California Board of Registered Nursing's (BRN) decision to hold Authorization to Test (ATT) applications from Nightingale. This section is updated as new information becomes available.

After nearly two months of the College requesting meetings, the BRN agreed to meet with us Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Although no final decisions were made at that meeting, the conversation moved in a positive direction. The College agreed to provide additional information to the BRN.
The College is scheduled to meet with the BRN again on Thursday, Aug. 13.

July 30 Update

We are aware that some questions and confusion remain after the California Board of Registered Nursing’s (BRN) recent meeting. We would like to answer some of those questions, but first we have two announcements:

We are beginning an Authorization to Test (ATT) reimbursement plan for California graduates whose ATTs are being held by the BRN, who wish to apply out of state. If you are a graduate in this situation, please watch your email.
We will hold a CEO’s Update Monday, Aug. 3 at noon MT/11 a.m. PT. Watch your email for an invitation.

Our Responses to Learner/Graduate Questions:

Is it true that Nightingale College's curriculum is deficient?

No, the BRN has not identified any deficiencies in our curriculum. We have determined our courses to be equivalent to statutory (CA Bus. & Prof. Code § 2736(a)2) and regulatory (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, § 1426) requirements for licensing of out-of-state applicants. Although Loretta Melby quoted from these statutes in her remarks Wednesday, she never provided any regulatory support for her claim that 500 hours are required for out-of-state applicants.
Is it true that Nightingale College has been slow to respond to the BRN’s requests for information? Why doesn’t the College give the BRN all the information it has asked for?

No, we have provided information to the BRN several times throughout this process. We declined to complete their initial form because the information the BRN requested is outside the scope of its equivalency evaluation and their legal authority. After the BRN declined to limit its request only to relevant information, we provided the information we determined would help it make an equivalency determination.
Why aren’t you informing learners that the College does not meet California licensure requirements?

The BRN has not identified any deficiencies in our curriculum. The BRN has not denied any applicant for licensure as a result of this course equivalency evaluation. Even if the BRN identifies deficiencies later, the BRN itself mentioned that the College will likely adjust its curriculum to meet requirements, and we intend to follow through with any agreements we make with the BRN.
Why didn’t the College inform learners and graduates of this issue earlier in their programs or when they applied?

We did not know about this issue ourselves until February 2026, and even then, thought it was limited to a small number of learners. Until this year, we have experienced no issues with California graduates becoming licensed, and we had no reason to believe it would become an issue.
What is your contingency plan? How will you help graduates become licensed?

We are committed to a positive resolution for our California graduates and learners. Please attend the CEO’s Update Monday and/or watch your email for more information.

Week of July 27

We have learned of 11 graduates from the Spring 2026 cohort who have received their ATTs. The BRN has not provided us any explanation for why these graduates have received their ATTs.

We are unaware of any difference between the qualifications of these graduates to receive their ATTs as compared to the rest of the graduating class.

We have responded to all the BRN's requests for information and continue to engage with the BRN to try to resolve any outstanding questions they may have.

Week of July 6 - Documentation Submitted to the California BRN

Nightingale submitted additional documentation and academic information requested by the BRN as part of the ongoing review process.

August 6 - NCLEX Information Webinar Scheduled

A webinar for ASN 391 and BSN 395 will provide the latest information, answer common questions, and discuss next steps.

Current Status

Update: Tuesday, Aug. 11

California Licensure Update

Cohort Licensure Snapshot

The BRN has not identified any deficiencies in our curriculum. We have determined our courses to be equivalent to statutory requirements under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2736(a)(2) and regulatory requirements under Cal. Code Regs. tit. 16, § 1426 for licensing out-of-state applicants.
There is no regulatory support for the BRN’s claim that 500 hours are required for licensure for out-of-state applicants.
No statutory or regulatory basis exists for treating 500 hours of direct care as a licensure requirement.
California law requires 500 hours for in-state program approval—a distinct standard from the licensure standard. It is not a published regulation that applies to out-of-state equivalency and is not in BRN's authority to add without pursuing official channels for regulatory changes.
Nightingale College is actively working with the BRN. No resolution timeline has been provided by the BRN.
If there is no amicable resolution soon, the College will seek relief in California courts.
Relief that we will seek: immediate release of ATT holds and streamlined test authorization in the future.
If needed, an alternative path to secure hours will be offered to Spring/Summer 2026 graduates during litigation so this process will not interfere with your licensure indefinitely.
If the BRN finds deficiencies, costs associated with agreed-upon remediation (tuition, travel, etc.) will be covered by the College. It’s our commitment to support you in becoming licensed in California.

Video Updates

President’s Briefing, July 27, 2026

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A Message from Nightingale College

We Understand Your Frustration

We understand that learners enrolled with the expectation that completion of the program would support their path toward licensure, subject to each state board’s application and eligibility requirements.

What We're Doing

The College is working with the BRN to address the issues currently under discussion and to support learners and graduates with appropriate records, information, and updates.

Our Commitment

We will continue working to support learners and graduates as they pursue licensure, while recognizing that licensure decisions are made by the BRN based on individual applications. If future developments require action affecting learners or graduates, the College will communicate directly with those impacted, including information regarding available support and next steps. Thank you for your dedication to the nursing profession and your commitment to achieving your career goals.

Your Next Steps

Where you are in your journey determines the guidance that's most relevant to you. Select the section below that best matches your current status.

All Learners

As a current learner planning to take the licensing exam and work as a registered nurse, we understand that current ATT processing delays may be frustrating. Nightingale College has no control over the BRN’s ATT approval process. Here are suggested next steps for you as a current learner.

Continue monitoring this page for updates.
We are not aware of any graduate being denied an ATT because of this BRN review. If your application is denied for this reason, contact us immediately.
Try to remain calm. We know this is not an easy situation, particularly if you have family depending on you. We do not yet know the outcome, but we will stand with you as we implement solutions that will help you become licensed.
If curriculum adjustments become necessary as part of an agreement with the BRN, we'll provide the guidance and support needed to help you become licensed as quickly as possible.

Learners in Their Final Semester »

Learners in Their Final Semester

Follow your NCLEX preparation plan. We recommend taking advantage of this time by using the programs offered by the College, including NCLEX coaching, to help you perform at your best.

Attend NCLEX preparation webinars, specifically the webinar scheduled for Aug. 6. More information will follow.
Continue watching for information and updates. As you prepare for graduation and ATT application, more information about your next steps is available.
Questions? Contact rmahlberg@nightingale.edu or the BRN for more information (see below).

Graduates »

Graduates

All ATT applicants:

Continue your NCLEX preparation. We recommend taking advantage of this time by using the programs offered by the College, including NCLEX coaching, to help you perform at your best.
We are not aware of any graduate being denied their ATT because of this BRN process. If your application is denied for this reason please contact us immediately.
We are strongly continuing to advocate for you as we work with the BRN. We will not rest. Our legal counsel is communicating with the BRN’s legal counsel to determine the best possible solutions.

Applied for ATT and have received no response:

No response is required from you.
Continue to prepare for the NCLEX.
You can check your status in the Breeze portal or the Application Status and Details page.

Applied for ATT and received notification that your application is "deficient" or missing information:

Check the BRN's Application Status and Details page and submit any missing information. The BRN’s exam application instructions may help you with this process.
Remember that the BRN’s 90-day window to make ATT determinations does not begin until your application is complete.
Contact the BRN for more information (see below).

Applied for ATT and received notification that your application is being held pending a "review" or "evaluation:"

Contact the BRN for more information if needed (see below).
Access any College and ATT application records and keep them available during your call.
Ask the BRN questions about your application. These could include:
- "Is anything missing from my application?"
- "Have I taken the courses of instruction that are required for testing?"
- "Is there anything in my application that would prevent me from qualifying to take the NCLEX?"

Contact information for the BRN
Phone: 916-322-3350
Email:  brn.licensing@dca.ca.gov
Online: contact page

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers below address the most common questions we've received from Spring 2026 graduates. We'll continue updating this section as additional questions arise.

What information is the BRN asking for?

Although we already have provided substantial equivalency information, the BRN has requested more specific details about courses of instruction, including direct patient care hours.
What information have you given the BRN?

The College submitted a comprehensive equivalency package addressing curriculum, licensure compliance, DFC/VCBC methodology, cohort outcomes, and policy information, with supporting documentation. We also have clarified our position on certain issues and indicated our willingness to provide more documentation.

After the BRN stated that the information submitted by the College was insufficient, we requested meetings to clarify their requests and requirements. This discussion is ongoing.
Why don’t you just comply with all of the BRN’s requests for information?

We have provided information that we believe is within the BRN’s authority to request.

We want to be very clear about the BRN’s legal authority before we provide additional information. This is important for future interactions with the BRN. We want to set clear expectations with the BRN so this type of situation doesn’t happen to our graduates again.

We want to avoid the risk of additional burdens to learners as much as possible. We do not want the dissemination of College information to result in more barriers to nursing education for learners.

This discussion is ongoing. When the BRN, the College, and legal counsel reach an understanding of the BRN’s legal authority, we will act according to that understanding.
You said in the beginning that this was all about one graduate’s ATT application. But this situation is affecting hundreds of graduates. What is the truth?

When the BRN made its original information request from the College, the request was connected to one graduate’s ATT application.

Soon after that, the BRN began holding other graduates’ applications as well, but at that point, the BRN’s request still was associated with that particular application.

However, even after this graduate received their ATT and became licensed, the BRN began holding additional ATT applications.
At the beginning, you said this was nothing to worry about. But this is affecting hundreds of graduates. Why didn’t you warn us about how serious this is?

When the BRN first began holding graduates’ ATT applications, they were doing so on a smaller scale, so this did not affect most graduates. Some graduates received their ATTs easily while others had to wait. Later, their process expanded to a much larger scale.

The BRN did not inform us that they would begin holding all ATT applications from Nightingale College.

Even so, at this point, we are not aware of any graduate whose ATT application has been denied because of the BRN’s actions.
Why did the BRN say that communications from Nightingale were incorrect?

Earlier communications from the BRN stated that the College was “under review” or “under investigation.” We disagreed, because these words did not accurately represent the situation. This led to confusion between the BRN, the College, and graduates as the BRN continued to use these terms.

The communication sent by the BRN June 23 more accurately reflects the BRN’s process of evaluating courses of instruction for substantial equivalency. It is not a review of the College or its programs. This distinction is important. The College, its programs, and its accreditation were never at risk.
Nightingale College and the BRN have different ideas about how and what the BRN is allowed to review. Why is that?

As an out-of-state institution, Nightingale College is not subject to the same regulations as in-state schools. Our legal counsel and the BRN’s legal counsel interpret state laws differently. That’s why we continue to meet with them for ongoing discussions.
What is the current status of the BRN’s process and how long will it take?

Nightingale College is meeting and communicating with the BRN. The BRN has not provided a timeline for how long their process will take.
What is Nightingale College doing to ensure the BRN’s actions won’t negatively impact graduates? Especially for graduates whose job offers are conditional upon licensure?

We understand the urgency, and we are actively engaging with the BRN to reach a solution. We are meeting with the BRN to clarify their requests and determine the scope of their authority in this situation.
Why is the BRN doing this? Has it uncovered any findings that could cause it to refuse to grant ATTs to graduates in the future? 

We can’t speculate on the reasons for the BRN’s actions. There have been no negative findings concerning the College.
Where can I get more information about these laws and regulations?

The BRN’s website is a great place to start. You also may consult the California Code. Keep in mind that interpretations of state laws and regulations vary widely, even among qualified lawyers, so you may not understand the state code the same way as another reader.
Should I apply for licensure in another state and then transfer my license to California?

We are aware of some graduates who have done so successfully. We also are aware of some graduates who have received licensure and now are working in other states. However, we can’t give you advice about this situation because we can’t guarantee the outcome. The BRN still controls the licensure process in California, whether you take the NCLEX in California or elsewhere.
Should I contact my state representatives or a lawyer? Should I talk to the BRN about my situation?

You are welcome to contact your state representative and/or lawyer about this or any issue you care about. You also are welcome to contact the BRN, and we’ve provided some questions you can ask in the Next Steps attachment. We cannot guarantee any particular outcome.
What will Nightingale College do if the BRN begins denying graduates their ATTs? If there’s a lawsuit? If the BRN asks the College to make changes?

We respect the differences in perspective between the College and the BRN. We cannot predict the future. We have contingency plans for many possible outcomes, but we don’t know in advance what they will be.

We also respect the law. We will continue defending our learners and graduates. We hope to resolve this situation as smoothly and quickly as possible.

We will cooperate with any mutually agreed upon decisions and inform you of changes that affect you.

Share Your Story

If you've experienced delays or challenges related to the California BRN licensure process, we'd like to hear from you. Your experience helps us better understand the impact of the BRN’s actions on our learners and graduates.

Share Your Experience

Privacy Note
Information you submit will be reviewed by the College. We will not publicly share your personal information without your permission.

Timeline

This timeline provides a high-level summary of the College’s communications with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) regarding the BRN’s evaluation of whether the courses of instruction completed by Nightingale graduates seeking California licensure are substantially equivalent to California’s minimum licensure requirements for graduates of out-of-state nursing programs. It is intended to help learners and graduates understand the sequence of events and should not be read as individualized licensure advice or a prediction about any application outcome. The College continues working toward resolution while recognizing that the timing of the BRN’s evaluation is outside the College’s control.

Last updated: July 27, 2026. This timeline summarizes key interactions known to the College as of that date.

July 7, 2026

Outside counsel submitted a substantive response to the BRN addressing the BRN’s stated concerns, enclosing additional course maps and related materials, and requesting that the BRN review the materials and process pending licensure applications without further delay.

June 2026

The College became aware that some California graduates had received ATTs, sat for the NCLEX, and obtained California licensure while discussions with the BRN remained ongoing; other graduates continued to report delays or holds in connection with their ATT applications.

June 15, 2026

The College’s outside counsel responded to BRN counsel, requested clarification regarding several issues identified by the BRN, reiterated the College's position regarding the information relevant to the substantial equivalency evaluation of graduates’ courses of instruction, advised that additional information and documentation would be provided, and requested additional dialogue with BRN leadership.

June 12, 2026

BRN counsel provided a detailed response outlining the BRN's position regarding substantial equivalency, curriculum requirements, clinical training requirements, and information the BRN believes is necessary to complete its evaluation.

June 2, 2026

The College’s outside counsel submitted a formal response to BRN counsel addressing the Board's interpretation of the direct patient care requirement, reports from some graduates of ATT processing delays or holds in connection with their California licensure applications, and the need for clarity regarding any additional information the BRN believed was necessary to complete the substantial equivalency evaluation of graduates’ courses of instruction.

May 18, 2026

The College received correspondence from the BRN stating that the BRN was unable to establish substantial equivalency based on information previously reviewed and that additional information was needed. The BRN also restated its position that direct patient care hours are a coursework requirement.

The College has not received a written notice from the BRN imposing corrective action, restrictions, or an accreditation-related action.

May 8, 2026

The College submitted substantial information regarding its courses of instruction and related documentation, including information concerning clinical education and supporting materials requested in connection with the BRN’s substantial equivalency evaluation.

April 15, 2026

The California graduate whose application prompted the BRN’s original information request received authorization to test (ATT) and proceeded with examination.

April 1, 2026

The College provided information requested by the BRN regarding California graduates and applicants, including information intended to assist the BRN in reviewing affected applicant files.

March 20, 2026

Representatives from Nightingale College, its legal counsel, BRN leadership, and the BRN’s legal counsel met to discuss substantial equivalency of graduates’ courses of instruction, applicant processing, and the Board’s interpretation of applicable requirements. 

March 6, 2026

The College responded through legal counsel, explaining its position regarding the scope of information relevant to the BRN's evaluation of completed courses of instruction under California Business and Professions Code section 2736 and title 16, California Code of Regulations section 1426, and providing background information regarding applicant licensure eligibility.

February 23, 2026

The BRN requested completion of the Out-of-State Nursing Education Prelicensure Program Substantial Equivalency Assessment Tool in connection with a California licensure applicant.

Application-Status Reminder

For application-specific status, learners and graduates should continue to check the BRN Breeze portal and BRN application-status resources or contact the BRN directly. If you receive written BRN communication involving Nightingale, course equivalency, clinical education, an ATT hold, a denial, a deficiency, or a request for additional information, please forward that communication to the College promptly.

Contact information for the BRN
Phone: 916-322-3350
Email:  brn.licensing@dca.ca.gov
Online: contact page

Still Have Questions?

We're committed to keeping learners and graduates informed throughout this process. If you have questions that aren't answered on this page, or if you'd like to share your experience, we'd like to hear from you.