Two institutions from the University of North Texas System are working together to create a seamless pathway to produce more nurses to help address the state’s nursing shortage.
The partnership will allow UNT Dallas students to pursue a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth (UNTHSC). This agreement leverages the strengths of both institutions to provide students with a comprehensive and accessible nursing education.
Dr. Cindy Weston, founding dean of the UNTHSC College of Nursing, said the partnership is a natural extension of the UNT System’s commitment to providing quality education and meeting the needs of the community. The initial phase of the collaboration has already started.
“This opportunity with UNT Dallas came about with the inception of UNTHSC’s College of Nursing program,” Weston said. “We’ve been in the planning phase since about 2022, and it was approved by the UNT System Board of Regents in 2023 to launch the college in 2024.”
Weston also said that the partnership will expand access to nursing education and meet the growing demand for skilled health care professionals.
“This is an incredible opportunity to create a seamless transition for students who want to enter the nursing profession,” she said. “This partnership will provide students with a strong foundation in nursing fundamentals and prepare them for success in their future careers.”
The initial phase of the partnership involves aligning degree paths at UNT Dallas to ensure that students meet the prerequisite requirements for UNTHSC’s traditional BSN program. This will allow for a smooth transition to UNTHSC after students complete two years of coursework at UNT Dallas.
“This is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about health care and want to make a difference in their communities,” said Dr. Mario Casa de Calvo, dean of the UNT Dallas School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “By partnering with UNTHSC, we are able to continue offering our students a high-quality education that will prepare them for a rewarding career in nursing.”
The collaboration between UNT Dallas and UNTHSC is expected to have a significant impact on the region. By providing students with a clear pathway to a BSN, the partnership will help address the critical nursing shortage and improve health care outcomes in the region, Weston said.
In addition to the academic pathway, the partnership between UNT Dallas and UNTHSC will include opportunities for students to participate in research projects and clinical experiences. These experiences will help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed as nursing professionals.
As the partnership between UNT Dallas and UNTHSC continues to evolve, the collaboration may expand to other UNT System institutions. The goal is to create a comprehensive and accessible pathway for students interested in pursuing a career in nursing.
“We are just getting started with this partnership, and there is much more to come,” Weston said. “We believe that this collaboration has the potential to have a great cross-regional impact.”