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Posted: 5/27/98

TBNE Approves A&M International Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

 

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In action Thursday, the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners provided its unanimous approval for a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Texas A&M International University.

The degree will now be submitted for final approval to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in July. If approved, nursing clinical coursework will begin in January.

Addressing a busload of community leaders, nursing professionals, students and others, TBNE president Kenneth Lowrance said he was impressed with the outstanding need assessment done by A&M International and the emotional outpouring of community support.

"We are astounded by the support of your community and commend you highly. Personally, this has been one of the highlights of my Board experience and my life. Many unmet healthcare needs will now be met," Lowrance said.

Presenters told Board members that the number of nurses per population in Webb County is less than half the Texas average and the shortage has prompted hospitals to import nurses from as far away as Canada and the Philippines.

Dr. Susan Baker, director of the Dr. F. M. Canseco School of Nursing at A&M International, said the School has been receiving as many as 70 calls a day for the new program.

"We now have the potential to fill nursing vacancies in local hospitals with nurses that are highly trained. We will also have nurses that are culturally sensitive and know the Spanish language to work with patients," she observed.

For more information, please contact the Canseco School of Nursing at 956. 326. 2450.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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