SC State plans to phase out nursing program - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina State University plans to close one of its three nursing degree programs but will allow some of those already in the program to finish.

The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg reported the university presented a plan to the state Board of Nursing.to close its generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

The program is for students with no nursing background. State officials say rising juniors and sophomores can finish, but freshmen and sophomores will not be allowed to major in nursing starting this fall.

The plan cites students' first-time pass rates on a national test to license registered nurses as well below state and national levels as the reason for ending the program. In 2011, only 7 of 34 students passed the test.