Registered nurses (RNs) looking to advance their careers may apply now for Austin Community College’s (ACC) RN-to-BSN Program. Applications for fall 2019 are accepted until Saturday, June 1.

“Nursing is one of the most in-demand, fastest growing industries in Central Texas. It’s important we keep up with the rising demand,” says Pat Recek, dean of Health Sciences. “This August our first cohort in the RN-to-BSN Program will graduate with their bachelor’s degree from ACC,  and we will expand to bring in more students.”

The program offers a full-time option as well as a part-time option. Up to 60 students will be accepted.

“It’s a year of sacrifice, but it's worth it to grow as a nurse and patient advocate,” says Jade Spear, RN-to-BSN student. “ACC is partnered with many of the local hospitals which helped me grow my nursing knowledge and networking. I have been afforded the opportunity to grow as a nurse in a place that has only set me up for success.”

The demand for BSN-credentialed nurses is increasing, especially in Central Texas with an aging workforce and expanding population. ACC’s program targets the 7,700+ registered nurses in Central Texas looking to earn a BSN credential and increase their skills. It allows working nurses to complete the additional coursework for a BSN at a lower cost — less than half the cost of typical public university tuition.

The program includes onsite and hybrid (both online and onsite) course options. Students learn about health policy, community and public health, research and evidence-based nursing, and leadership and management skills.

Admission requirements include:

• Associates degree in nursing from regionally and national nursing accredited program or diploma in nursing from an accredited national nursing agency

• Minimum of C in all previous coursework

• 2.5 GPA for nursing courses from an accredited program

• Complete all prerequisite courses

• Have an unencumbered current Texas or an Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact RN license

• Submit one letter of recommendation from current or former nursing faculty or from an employer

• Applicants must meet the Technical Standards required by the program

For more information about the program and to apply, visit austincc.edu/bsn. Applications are accepted until Saturday, June 1. Space is limited.

For more information, contact Karen Cooper, Interim Baccalaureate Specialist, at 512-223-5937 or email karen.cooper@austincc.edu.