Virginia College sued over accreditation

JACKSON, Miss. — For-profit Virginia College has been sued by 14 people who allege they participated in a pilot program at the college’s Jackson, Miss., campus to become licensed practical nurses only to find out the program was never accredited by the state. The Clarion-Ledger reports that the nursing students are seeking $14 million in damages in Hinds County Circuit Court. The lawsuit claims the pilot program was granted preliminary accreditation in 2009, and that allowed students to be admitted. The lawsuit says the school learned while the program was under way that it had not been accredited and didn’t tell the students.

Virginia College officials say the school is appealing the state’s decision. If accreditation is granted, they say the students could take the exam.