Houston Community College Proposes New Nursing Program To Rebuild ADN Track

Houston Community College is set to re-establish its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, following a closure in 2023, after receiving a proposal approval from the Texas Board of Nursing during their recent meeting. The board's decision comes as part of an effort to meet the growing demand for nursing professionals in the Houston area.

The ADN program, which aims to transition current Vocational Nursing (VN) students to registered nurses, is scheduled to begin in August 2025, pending final approval. The program will be delivered over three semesters, awarding 12 credits for prior VN education. This initiative is backed by new leadership at the college, including Dr. Latricia Harrison as president and Dr. Nicole Townsend as the new dean of nursing.

During the meeting, board members were informed of the college's extensive resources, including partnerships with over 40 clinical sites, such as Texas Children's Hospital and the VA. These partnerships will provide students with hands-on clinical experience, accommodating various schedules for clinical practice.

Dr. Townsend highlighted the college's commitment to enhancing the admissions process by incorporating student interviews, ensuring candidates are prepared for the program's demands. The board expressed enthusiasm for the program's potential impact on the local healthcare workforce.

In addition to the ADN program, the board discussed the importance of refining proposal formats for future submissions, aiming for clarity and brevity in documentation. The meeting concluded with a call for community engagement, emphasizing the board's openness to public testimony regarding nursing education proposals.

As Houston Community College prepares to relaunch its ADN program, the initiative promises to bolster nursing education and address workforce needs in the region, paving the way for a new generation of healthcare professionals.