Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital Funds Nursing Faculty Position at Lone Star College-Montgomery
Officials from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital recently presented a check to the Lone Star College-Montgomery nursing program in order to fund a faculty position and allow the college's nursing program to continue to expand, meeting the critical need for nurses in the area. Pictured (l. to r.) are Dr. Austin Lane, president of Lone Star College-Montgomery; Tami Herschmann RN, MSN, CNOR, interim chief nursing officer, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands; Manijeh Scott, director of nursing, Lone Star College-Montgomery; Jody Collins, MSN, RN, director, Magnet® program and staff development, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands; and Mike Krall, academic dean for the natural sciences and health professions division at Lone Star College-Montgomery. |
A shortage of nurses in our community and nationwide is still a key factor that Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital and Lone Star College-Montgomery are working to alleviate.
For the sixth year, the hospital has pledged to support LSC-Montgomery with a dedicated salary for an additional nursing faculty member. This contribution, totaling more than $360,000 over the past six years, has allowed the college to expand its nursing program, offering more and more students the opportunity to enter the nursing field.
“We are grateful for their investment in our nursing program, our nursing students, and ultimately, the entire community,” said Dr. Austin A. Lane, president of LSC-Montgomery. “Our program demands intense faculty interaction with our students, and an additional instructor will allow us to generate more qualified nurses to serve in the nursing profession.”
With the contribution from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Montgomery County’s only Magnet® designated hospital for nursing excellence, the college has been able to expand its nursing program by almost 10 percent, adding 10 students for each academic year—and each year thereafter.
According to Manijeh Azhang Scott, director of the LSC-Montgomery nursing program, the hospital's contribution couldn't come at a better time, considering the ongoing nursing shortage—both locally and nationally.
"The need for highly qualified nurses in Montgomery County and the surrounding area has only increased over time, particularly with the rapid growth of the region," said Azhang Scott. "Our students are highly sought after once they complete their program and pass the Board of Nursing’s certification/registration exam."
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics calls for a faster than average job outlook for registered nurses, citing a 26 percent increase in the field through 2020. This growth is due technological advancements; an increased emphasis on preventative care; and the large, aging baby-boomer population who will demand more healthcare services as they live longer and more active lives.
LSC-Montgomery offers several nursing programs, including the basic associate degree nursing (ADN) track, licensed vocational nursing (LVN), and a transition to professional nursing track for those LVNs and paramedics desiring to pursue the ADN track. The college also offers a certified nurse assistant (CNA) program.
Memorial Hermann The Woodlands actively employs some students from LSC-Montgomery’s nursing program as professional student nurses who are then often hired full time after completion of their nursing curriculum.
For more information about LSC-Montgomery’s nursing program, visit http://www.LoneStar.edu/nursing-dept-montgomery; or call (936) 273-7030.
LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call 936.273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.
Lone Star College System has been opening doors to a better community for 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSCS remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with 78,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and the fastest-growing community college system in the nation. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.