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College’s nursing program questioned

Miami-Jacobs could lose state board’s conditional approval for classes

Miami-Jacobs nursing accreditation in jeopardy

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By Dave Larsen, Staff Writer Updated 11:47 PM Thursday, March 25, 2010

DAYTON — Miami-Jacobs Career College was one of two Ohio schools this week to receive notice about the possible withdrawal of state approval for their nursing programs from the state Board of Nursing.

Such notices are rare, “but the board issues them when the board believes it’s necessary to do so,” said Lisa Emrich, the board’s programs manager for practice and education.

Miami-Jacobs has until April 22 to request a hearing regarding the board’s proposal to withdraw its conditional approval and to deny full approval for its practical nursing program.

“If a program does not have board approval, then they cannot offer a pre-license nursing education program,” Emrich said.

The Cleveland Job Corps nursing program also received notice, she said.

A board visit to Miami-Jacobs in December found the school had breached a March 2008 consent agreement and 2009 addendum, and failed to meet and maintain board regulations.

According to a report by the board, Miami-Jacobs:

Provided false or misleading information to the board by stating that a licensed dietician who did not possess a nursing degree or license, but who had taught a nursing class, had been replaced with a faculty member holding a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The April 1, 2009, minutes of a faculty meeting indicate that the individual was continuing to teach the course and the school would “worry about who will take it over later.”

Did not meet minimum qualifications for the associate administrators of its nursing programs in Troy and Springboro.

Did not provide data concerning employers of nursing program graduates as required.

Did not have signatures of both parties on a contract with Harborside Healthcare, a facility being used at the time of the visit, as required.

On two occasions, failed to submit previsit reports by the date required, or in a format prescribed by the board.

Failed to accurately notify students at nursing program campuses of the dates of the board’s visit.

The report also noted the nursing program’s “continued low NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) scores.”

The program’s 2008 NCLEX pass rate was 57.14 percent. Its rate from January through September 2009 was 62.75 percent, reflecting 204 candidates, of which 128 passed and 76 failed.

“Miami-Jacobs has taken numerous steps in the past few months to address the concerns of the nursing board and will work diligently to come into full compliance with the board’s regulations,” said Faith Mitchell, campus director.

During its appeal, Miami-Jacobs is permitted to operate, educate existing students and admit new students into its nursing program, Mitchell said. The process is expected to last six to 12 months, she said.

“We are working to notify students of the current situation,” Mitchell said.

Board regulations provide for reapplication if the board denies Miami-Jacobs full approval, Emrich said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2419 or dlarsen @DaytonDailyNews.com.

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