A&M-Commerce to explore bringing nursing program

 Texas A&M University-Commerce has begun taking steps to bring an accredited nursing curriculum to the university.

"The short and long term goal of bringing a highly respected and accredited nursing program to Texas A&M University-Commerce is to meet the pressing needs of the area and region in providing qualified nurses, nursing teachers and nursing administrators," Assistant Vice President of Marketing Communications Randy Jolly said.

According to Jolly, the new program would allow for students to complete a nursing degree in a variety of ways, which would include a "2+2" method that would have students utilize community college first for two years before completing their degree at A&M-Commerce. There would also be a four-year program completely offered by the university.

The reasons for incorporating a nursing curriculum at the university are varied, but are motivated by trends at the state and national levels that show nursing to be a highly desired field as well as an understaffed one. Jolly states that A&M-Commerce is perfectly fitted to fill this void in many ways.

"The closest baccalaureate nursing education programs are 108 miles to the northeast in Texarkana, 85 miles to the south in Tyler, or 60 miles to the west in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex," he said. "Only two associate degree programs in the area; Paris Junior College at 30 miles and Trinity Valley, located 60 miles away in Kaufman. Both of these nursing programs are at capacity with waiting lists.

A&M-Commerce is uniquely situated in a rural area where first generation students can receive their nursing degrees and stay home and take care of the aging populace or have the flexibility to move to Dallas and be part of one of the fastest growing business and health-related centers in the nation."

Some signs of the project are already visible, as A&M-Commerce has purchased property just south of the Sam Rayburn Student Center — the former Episcopal Church and its adjoining building, Channon Hall — for use with the project. Jolly said that the church will be moved to make room for a new parking area and that the adjoining building, already being renovated by university staff, would be used for multiple purposes.

"The 1,800 square foot Channon Hall will be converted to an administrative/teaching/lab facility," Jolly said. "Extensive renovations will be conducted to upgrade the facility to accommodate very sophisticated simulation lab units, support equipment and task trainers, and video recording and monitor equipment.  Other facilities in the Science Building, the infirmary and other classrooms will also be used."

Jolly said that the nursing program would offer East Texas its first and only baccalaureate nursing program capable of meeting the region's healthcare needs.

"Teaching nurses to teach is in critical demand and A&M-Commerce has a 121-year history of highly qualified teachers," he said. "­Producing highly qualified nurses that can teach nurses fits perfectly with who we are."

There is no word yet on how soon the nursing curriculum will begin, but Jolly said that A&M-Commerce plans to partner with area community colleges, health care providers and high schools, "creating a pipeline of applicants that are highly motivated and desirous of a well-respected nursing degree."