HCC College Seeks Approval to Relaunch Redesigned LVN to ADN Transition Program

The Texas Board of Nursing convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on the relaunch of the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) transition program proposed by HCC College.

The meeting began with a presentation from HCC College representatives, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to seek approval for the redesigned transition program. They highlighted the college's unique position within the Texas Medical Center, emphasizing the advantages this location provides, including access to world-class clinical sites and health science resources.

The college had previously closed its ADN transition programs in December 2024 but has since implemented a successful teach-out program. The results showed an impressive NCLEX-RN pass rate of 87.5% among the 75 students who participated, with one student still enrolled and projected to succeed.

The HCC representatives outlined their vision for a new, integrated transition program that aims to rebuild trust and align with the board's expectations. They emphasized that the program is not a mere reopening of the former curriculum but a comprehensive redesign that incorporates a concept-based and holistic approach to nursing education. This new curriculum is intended to enhance critical thinking and knowledge retention, preparing students for real-world nursing practice.

The college's leadership has taken steps to address previous gaps in curriculum and faculty expectations, as well as to enhance student support services. They introduced a new role, Director of Nursing Operations, to ensure better coordination across instructional and clinical areas.

The board's discussions also included considerations for the program's structure, focusing on smaller class sizes and increased mentorship opportunities for students. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the proposal and its alignment with current healthcare needs.

Overall, the Texas Board of Nursing's meeting underscored the importance of adapting nursing education to meet evolving demands, with HCC College's initiative representing a proactive step towards enhancing the quality of nursing professionals in Texas.