Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing as we know it today. During this time when health care systems are being strained as never before, Lone Star College recognizes the important role nurses play keeping our community safe and healthy – and the pressing need to help train and staff nurses for the future.

”It may surprise people to learn that community colleges like Lone Star College are the largest producers of RNs in the country,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC chancellor. “As we reflect on the legacy of this great pioneer, it is important to know Lone Star College stands poised, ready to help train the next generation of health care heroes and help keep our communities safe.”

A survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, reported 49% of hospitals and other health care settings are requiring new hires to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, while 86.3% of employers are expressing a strong preference for BSN program graduates.

LSC health care partners, including Houston-area institutions, expressed this need and our state responded. In 2017, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 2118 into law, allowing the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to authorize certain public junior colleges to offer baccalaureate degree programs in nursing.

“Lone Star College was one of only a handful of Texas community colleges approved to offer the advanced degrees by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the accrediting body for our region,” said Head. “This BSN degree is specifically designed for licensed RNs seeking to advance their professional qualifications.”

Graduates of the program will have a broader understanding of the nursing profession and be better positioned to provide a higher level of care for their patients and to step into management and leadership roles.

“To all the health care workers on the front lines in our fight against COVID-19, who sacrifice self and put the health and welfare of their patients first, I extend a heartfelt thanks, said Head. “You emulate the spirit of Florence Nightingale each day.”

Lone Star College salutes the important role nurses play in keeping our community safe and healthy.

Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 99,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of nearly $3 billion. LSC consists of seven colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.