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Addressing the Nursing Shortage

UT Tyler Recognizes First Graduating ADN-BSN Cohort

The UT Tyler School of Nursing has announced the first graduating cohort of the concurrent ADN-BSN program, an innovative and collaborative solution to combat the state’s nursing shortage. Launched in spring 2019, the program allows eligible nursing students at community college partners to obtain their ADN and BSN simultaneously.

The inaugural graduating ADN-BSN cohort members are Jovany Sanchez of Ben Wheeler, and Coti Stroud, Susan Whitehurst and Jaela Wideman, all of Tyler.

Texas’ projected shortfall of nurses and the need for more baccalaureate-prepared nurses have increased the demand for educational solutions that allow nurses to flexibly obtain their education.

“Our program not only saves students time, but it also gives them the successful tools they need to obtain their dream of becoming a nurse,” said Marie Dullard, UT Tyler lead adviser for the concurrent ADN-BSN program. “We are very proud of this group and look forward to seeing them flourish in their careers.”

The concurrent program admits community college students from partner schools who have met the admission criteria for UT Tyler. Once the student is admitted to the associate degree program, qualified students receive an invitation to join the university’s concurrent program. Students complete a total of 30 hours from UT Tyler.

Partner schools include Brookhaven College, El Centro College, Kilgore College, Panola Junior College, Tarrant County College, Trinity Valley Community College and Tyler Junior College.

Two cohort graduates, Sanchez and Stroud, share their stories here.

Looking Ahead to Help People Sanchez

Jovany Sanchez of Ben Wheeler is a second generation American who wanted a career where he could help people, and nursing would be his answer. Thanks to the ADN-BSN program, Sanchez can now look ahead to pursue further education in the healthcare arena.

“I have come to love nursing, and throughout my clinical experiences, I have been given the opportunity to work with patients, nurses and leaders within the hospital setting,” said Sanchez, who plans to become a behavioral health nurse practitioner.

UT Tyler is preparing him for career success by including courses that emphasize leadership.

“These leadership courses teach us many different things such as how to deal with conflict in the workplace, styles of leadership and how we can be a professional in the workplace,” he added. “This program has allowed us to be able to build upon what we learned, and it has been a great experience.”

Stroud Seeing Strengths Within Herself

Coti Stroud of Tyler held a longing to choose a career where she could make a difference in the community. She believes the concurrent ADN-BSN program was an “amazing” opportunity due to her busy life schedule.

“Pursing my education has really allowed me to see the strengths in myself that I did not even know I have,” Stroud said, noting that the best aspect of UT Tyler’s program has been the staff and professors.

“I have had such a positive experience with all of my professors during this nursing program. I know that the professors truly want their students to be successful and graduate and become the best nurses possible – that is easily reflected in their interactions with students,” she added.

Stroud plans to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

“UT Tyler has prepared me and provided me with a strong educational foundation,” she said. “I will work my hardest to become a compassionate and safe nurse for my community and make everyone proud.”

For more information about the program, contact Dullard, mdullard@uttyler.edu.

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