Agreement expands educational opportunities for area nurses

Registered nurses across Southwest Texas who would like to expand their educational and career opportunities will soon have that option, with the signing of an agreement between Sul Ross State University – Rio Grande College and Southwest Texas Junior College.

Dr. Ricardo Maestas, president of Sul Ross State University and Dr. Hector Gonzales, president of SWTJC, (pictured on the left) signed an agreement on Oct. 31, that finalizes an RN to BSN completion program between the two institutions.

Beginning in the fall 2014 semester, registered nurses (RNs) licensed to practice in Texas may enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program through Sul Ross – Rio Grande College.

Classes will meet using online instruction, video conferencing and scheduled times with faculty. Courses are designed to accommodate schedules of busy adults and will be offered to both full and part-time students.

The RN to BSN completion program offers students the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of their profession and will prepare them to take on leadership roles on their respective healthcare teams. Finishing a BSN also provides a natural progression for nurses interested in advance practice or administration, as well as for those who want to attend graduate school.

Dr. Geraldine Goosen, director of the associate degree nursing program at SWTJC, will also serve as director of the new BSN program. "This program offers a wonderful opportunity for our nurses in the area by giving them the option of pursuing their professional goals close to home," Dr. Goosen said.

Dr. Paul Sorrels, associate provost/dean at Rio Grande College, said the new program shows how collaborations between RGC and SWTJC continue to have a positive effect on the region.
"Sul Ross – Rio Grande College is excited to be able to enter the health care educational arena. SWTJC has offered nursing programs for years and to now partner with them to help address the critical nursing shortage in our region is a very positive development," Dr. Sorrels said.