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The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth today announced the opening of the application process for its first nursing students, who will start classes this fall semester.

HSC’s nursing students will start in August in either the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) or the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Practice Innovation. The programs are for nursing professionals who want to advance their education and careers:

• RN to BSN − This program is for registered nurses with an associate degree who want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students can earn their degree in two semesters after completing 30 credit hours. All theory coursework for the RN to BSN will be delivered online with occasional immersive clinical experiences provided at HSC’s on-campus Regional Simulation Center.
• MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation − The degree is for nursing professionals who already have their BSN. It will incorporate five, 16-week semesters and condensed 10-week summer semesters. A part-time option also is available, extending the program into seven semesters. Students will have the flexibility to pursue certification aligned with their chosen area of specialization.

As a boutique program, HSC’s College of Nursing will provide smaller classes, a flexible learning environment, world-class resources and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, said Dr. Cindy Weston, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, founding dean of the college. A well-rounded curriculum with a community-based focus and a whole-health approach to educating students sets HSC apart.

“Nurses are on the frontlines and witness the challenges across health care,” she said. “They are best poised to develop solutions to improve health care systems, diminish health disparities and improve outcomes. Our new programs will create nurse innovators and leaders who can help solve the challenges in health care and the nursing profession.”

Nurses are the backbone of the health care system, yet Texas is in a nursing crisis. In North Texas alone, there is a gap of nearly 7,000 nurses. HSC is addressing the nursing shortage by not only training new nurses, but also retaining current nursing professionals through upskilling and reskilling. HSC’s focus is to create the next generation of nursing professionals who are innovators to improve health care systems, lessen health disparities and improve outcomes.

The UNT System Board of Regents approved the creation of the HSC College of Nursing in February 2023 to help address the shortage of nurses in Texas. In August, it approved the RN to BSN and the MSN in Nursing Practice Innovation, both of which are pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

To apply or learn more about HSC’s College of Nursing, prospective students should visit www.unthsc.edu/nursing.

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