SB 953: Practical nursing programs, certain; transferability to registered nursing programs, etc.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Certain practical nursing programs; common curriculum; transferability to registered nursing programs; pathway of stackable credentials. Requires the Virginia Community College System, in consultation with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Board of Nursing, and representatives from associate-degree-granting public institutions of higher education that offer nursing programs, to develop a common curriculum for practical nursing programs that shall be implemented at each comprehensive community college in the System that offers a practical nursing program. The bill requires such common curriculum, to the extent possible, to (i) align with the degree requirements for registered nursing programs offered at associate-degree-granting public institutions of higher education and (ii) be transferable to each registered nursing program offered at an associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education. The bill requires each associate-degree-granting public institution of higher education that offers a registered nursing degree program to participate in a practical nursing program to registered nursing program transfer agreement with the System that aligns with the practical nursing program common curriculum established pursuant to the bill and permits any private institution of higher education that offers a registered nursing degree program to be consulted regarding and participate on a voluntary basis in such a transfer agreement. The bill also (a) requires the System to establish a pathway of stackable nursing credentials that consists of a practical nursing to associate registered nursing to bachelor of science in nursing program pathway; (b) directs the System to develop and implement the common curriculum for practical nursing programs by July 1, 2026; and (c) directs the System to submit a progress report to the chairs of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Education by December 1, 2025. The provisions of the bill relating to the development of the common curriculum for practical nursing programs have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill incorporates SB 791 and is identical to HB 2548.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 24, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0465)
2. March 24, 2025Approved by Governor-Chapter 465 (Effective 07/01/26)
3. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
4. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill Communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
5. March 10, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB953)
6. March 10, 2025Signed by President
7. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
8. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB953ER)
9. March 7, 2025Enrolled
10. February 19, 2025House substitute agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N)
11. February 18, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB953)
12. February 18, 2025Passed House with substitute (97-Y 0-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history