The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees approved two new degree programs including the college’s first bachelor’s degree during its regular December meeting.

The RN-to-BSN Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) at ACC is designed for registered nurses who wish to earn a BSN. The program was developed in response to critical workforce needs in Central Texas. Currently, there are more than 7,700 registered nurses in the ACC service area who would qualify for the program.

“It’s our mission to provide an affordable and accessible pathway,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “I’m proud of the work that has gone into developing this important program. It’s going to build the nursing pipeline in Central Texas and help lift thousands of nurses to the next level in their careers.”

ACC’s RN-to-BSN program would be the only one of its kind in Central Texas. The program includes online, hybrid, and onsite courses. Currently, the only other options for registered nurses living in Central Texas are online RN-to-BSN programs. The degree plan must now receive approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Texas Board of Nurses, and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Trustees also approved a proposed Associate of Science in Emergency Management degree. The program prepares students for careers in Emergency Management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for Emergency Management Directors in Central Texas is expected to increase 22 percent through 2027.

Both programs are expected to be offered beginning fall 2018.

Tags: bachelor's degree, Board of Trustees, emergency management degree, Rn-to-BSN