Local Elected Officials file bill that would allow Collin College to Offer four-year nursing degrees

The following information was sent as a press release from Senator Van Taylor and State Representative Jodie Laubenberg's Office. As a side note, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce included in its Legislative Priorities to support legislation that would allow Collin College to offer a four-year baccalaureate degree. Click here to read the full version of the Chamber's Legislative Priorities.

SENATOR VAN TAYLOR AND REPRESENTATIVE JODIE LAUBENBERG FILE COLLIN COLLEGE NURSING BACCALAUREATE BILL
 
AUSTIN, TX - State Senator Van Taylor and Representative Jodie Laubenberg filed SB 1328 and HB 2251 respectively enabling Collin College the ability to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
 
A highly respected nursing institution, the Collin College nursing program consistently has a first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) almost 10 percent higher than the state and national averages. The college's graduation rate is 98 percent over the past three years, and over ninety percent of graduates obtain a job between 6-12 months after graduation.
 
Senator Van Taylor said of the legislation, "Collin College's state-of-the-art nursing program consistently turns out top quality nurses to meet the growing demand of our region. SB 1328 would help maximize their potential, giving nursing students additional opportunities to pursue their professional goals while filling an important healthcare void in our community."
 
Representative Jodie Laubenberg added, “Collin College has been an education crown jewel in our community, offering students an affordable entry in the healthcare profession. The college's nursing program has consistently ranked in the top tier of all nursing programs both at the state and national levels. Because of the continued advancement of nursing science, what once could be achieved in a two-year program now requires more complex training.  HB 2251 allows Collin College to continue to remain the gold standard of community colleges by offering a special four-year nursing program that meets the advanced standards required in nursing.”
 
Currently, Texas law allows certain public community colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in applied science and applied technology. Given Collin College's sterling reputation and the nursing vocational need, Taylor and Laubenberg argue that adding Collin College's nursing program is a logical and timely expansion.
 
With rapid population growth, Texas faces a massive shortage of registered nurses (RNs), particularly those with BSN degrees that hospitals need to qualify for magnet status. By 2020, it is estimated that Texas will be short 71,000 RNs, and as much as 80 percent of the nursing workforce will require at least a bachelor's degree.
 
President of Collin College Neil Matkin said of the legislation, “Collin College is deeply appreciative of Senator Taylor, Representative Laubenberg, and the entire Collin County delegation for their unwavering support as the college works to provide programs to meet clear and growing needs. This legislation is vital to providing the nurses the county needs and sustaining a quality of life that is second to none.”