November 24th, 2010
Texas-based University of St. Thomas (UST) has been awarded a $3.25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) that will go toward the reopening of its nursing program, reports the Houston Business Journal.
In addition to the development of a bachelor’s of science in nursing degree program, the grant will support the institution’s goal of attracting more Hispanic and low-income students.
UST received the grant under the DOE’s Title V Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program.
The university’s nursing school closed in 1986. However, once re-established, students will have a new simulation center and the Nursing Success Center, which is a pilot academic program.
“As a faith-based institution, located only minutes from the Texas Medical Center and other hospitals and clinics, we can provide the highly educated and inspired nurses who are in such great demand,” says Robert Ivan, UST president.
Dr. Poldi Tschirch, the director of development of nursing program, will oversee a $25 million fundraising campaign to reopen the school. UST hopes to enroll students at the beginning of the fall of 2012, pending approval by the St. Thomas board of directors and the Texas Board of Nursing.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for registered nurses are expected to be excellent, as employment is slated to grow by 22 percent over the next eight years.
Leave a Reply
Name (required)
Mail (will not be published) (required)
Website
