Current situation
Texas faces one of the second largest nursing shortages in the country, according to a July 18 news release from ACC. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows the need for nurses in Texas will quadruple from 2015 to 2030.
The new program from ACC and DWD offers an easier pathway for students who want to work in health care, with an opportunity to become certified nursing aides. The program is specifically designed to provide support services in and out of the classroom, often for underrepresented communities in health care.
“This kind of partnership is what it takes to reimagine higher education and eliminate equity gaps,” ACC Chancellor Richard Rhodes said in the release. “Together we can meet the critical needs in the health care community.”
The specifics
The program will launch with the college’s fast-track CNA program, according to the release. Offered through ACC’s Continuing Education Division, the program can be completed in as few as eight weeks. The students will be designated as “Dwyer Scholars” and receive customized support, including:
- A personal case manager to help them through the application process and address ongoing obstacles they face
- Additional training support through Workforce Solutions Capital Area and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, when eligible
- Personal support services, such as help finding child care, housing, transportation and job placement
- Continued support for ongoing learning—from an associate degree up to the college’s Bachelor of Science in nursing at ACC
- Additional clinical hours for ACC nursing students through Dwyer clinics
Quote of note
“Our goal is simple: remove obstacles from students’ lives so they can launch meaningful careers that help others,” DWD CEO Barb Clapp said in the release. “We are excited to partner with ACC and expect to accomplish great things in Austin and Texas by giving people the tools they need to change their lives.”
