ACC Signs RN to BSN Agreement with UHCL
Alvin Community College President Dr. Christal M. Albrecht and University of Houston Clear Lake President Dr. Ira K. Blake signed an expanded articulation to streamline the transition process between the Associate Degree Nursing program and the Bachelor’s Nursing program.
Under the terms of the agreement ACC students will have the opportunity to receive their Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree from UHCL-Pearland one semester after receiving their Associate Degree in Nursing from ACC.
Students will be allowed to enroll with the UHCL program concurrent with the ACC program. Students may apply for the program in Fall 2021.
“Creating a pool of educated nursing professionals is key to our healthy economy, community and workforce.,” Dr. Albrecht said. “This collaboration will help meet our local healthcare workforce needs and provide new opportunities for the graduates of both programs.”
Dr. Albrecht signed the agreement update with UHCL President Dr. Ira K. Blake during a ceremony on June 10 at the UHCL Pearland campus.
“Together we will enhance our programs and community partnership with the goal of sustaining our joint service to the Gulf Coast region and beyond,” Dr. Blake said. “Our students, the regional and workforce are (fortunate) to have two forward thinking higher education institutions working in lockstep to prepare students who will be valuable contributors to tomorrows workforce and the communities we serve.”
Having a Bachelor’s degrees makes graduates more attractive to potential employers, said Dr. Debbi Fontenot, ACC Nursing director.
“I am excited for the students to have the opportunity to pursue their baccalaureate degree in nursing while concurrently enrolled in the associate degree nursing program,” Fontentot said. “This pathway will make the ACC graduates more competitive in the job market.”
The agreement was developed over the past year despite delays and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be eligible for the program students must apply and be accepted into ACC Associate Nursing program, meet the requirements to enroll for the Bachelor’s program and satisfy all prerequisite courses. Application to the Bachelor’s program will be made at the same time a student is accepted into the Associate program.
For more information about College and Career Pathways at ACC, visit www.alvincollege.edu/pathways. For more information about the Associate Degree in Nursing program, visit www.alvincollege.edu/Nursing.