UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler Expands Nursing Program to Address Nursing Shortage

August 15, 2019

Media Contact: Beverley Golden
Senior Director of Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.566.7303

The University of Texas at Tyler announced today that it will expand its bachelor of science in nursing program to accept more students and ultimately address the shortage of nurses in Texas.

From 2011 - 2018, the School of Nursing admitted 2,116 students and turned away 2,361 qualified applicants because it is at capacity in terms of physical space and faculty resources. The expansion will allow approximately 180 additional qualified applicants to be admitted each year.

The expansion also accelerates the rate at which the program produces nurses.

"With the expansion, students will graduate an entire semester earlier than was possible under the previous model," said Dr. Barbara Haas, School of Nursing executive director. "Not only will we be able to accept more applicants, but we will also get them out into the workforce faster."

Starting spring 2020, the program will offer a 12-month, year-round BSN program comprised of three 15-week semesters. Applicants will be admitted in the fall, spring and summer and attend full-time for four consecutive semesters.

"The state has been experiencing a nursing shortage for a few years, and in the next 10 years, it is predicted that Texas will have the second-largest nursing shortage in the country," said Dr. Yong Tai Wang, UT Tyler College of Nursing and Health Sciences dean. "We recognize the need to produce more qualified nurses, and this expansion will make that possible."

The healthcare community recognizes the benefits of this forward-thinking plan.

"UT Tyler has been strategic in its planning and has been responsive to the needs of our local hospital partners," said Beth Neidlinger, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System administrative director for education and professional excellence. "This in turn benefits the East Texas community by providing more caregivers in all areas of nursing. The healthcare community applauds their vision."

Students should contact the College of Nursing and Health Sciences advisers for more information, 903.566.7320.

A member of the prestigious UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler focuses on student success and innovative research in the more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered. With more than 10,000 students, UT Tyler has facilities in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.