California Graduate Information Center

Official updates regarding California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) licensure matters affecting Nightingale College learners and graduates.

President's Update: BRN Meeting

Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Hello Learners and Graduates,

I’d like to provide clarification following last week's meeting with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

Mikhail Shneyder, CEO of Nightingale Education Group, met with the BRN and its legal representatives on Aug. 13 to discuss the authorization to test (ATT) applications currently on hold for our Spring 2026 California graduates.

What you should know

The BRN has not officially identified deficiencies and has requested additional information.
Although the BRN's review is ongoing, it has publicly identified concerns related to direct patient care hours and the concurrent completion of theory and clinical coursework in areas such as obstetrics and pediatrics.
The BRN continues to request additional information on these topics, and we are actively working to provide the information it has requested as our discussions continue.
We are evaluating multiple options to support learners in becoming licensed, including a supplemental course that could provide the contested hours if necessary.
However, until we have greater clarity regarding the BRN’s expectations, we are not in a position to finalize or implement a path forward with confidence that it will meet the BRN’s requirements.

What you can do

We remind you that your chance of NCLEX success increases if you take the exam within 90 days of graduation.

We provide NCLEX coaching to learners and graduates at no cost. Contact nclexcoaching@nightingale.edu for more information.

We also offer ATT reimbursement to graduates who choose to apply for their ATT in another state. Contact rmahlberg@nightingale.edu for more information.

Our commitment

Nightingale remains fully committed to our California learners. Regardless of the challenges before us, our goal remains the same—to help learners become nurses. We will continue to collaborate with the BRN, respond to its requests, and provide additional information as this process moves forward.

We are here to support you in every way we can. Questions? Visit the California Graduate Information Center or email rmahlberg@nightingale.edu.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jeffrey A. Olsen
President, Nightingale College

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

Hello Learners and Graduates,

We met with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) this week, and during the meeting the BRN requested additional information, which we are actively working to provide. We apologize for the delay in providing a more detailed update while we prepare our response to the BRN. We expect to share more with you sometime next week once we have additional information to communicate.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We remain committed to supporting our learners and graduates through the licensure process and will continue to keep you informed as additional information becomes available.

With gratitude,
Dr. Jeffrey A. Olsen
President, Nightingale College

Latest Updates

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.

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

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.

Frequently Asked 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.

Current Status

Update: Monday, Aug. 17

California Licensure Update

Cohort Licensure Snapshot

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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

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: August 4, 2026. This timeline summarizes key interactions known to the College as of that date.

August 4, 2026

BRN meeting. No final decisions, College agreed to provide more information.

August 3, 2026

Nightingale Education Group CEO Mikhail Shneyder presented an update about the current status of the BRN review and answered questions from learners and graduates.

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.