ACC seeks bachelor’s degrees for nurses

Even if state lawmakers agree that ACC ought to be able to confer BSNs, the college would have to receive accreditation of the degree program through the South Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the regional accrediting body for higher education institutions.

“It’s going to be about a two-year process to go through and document that we have the capacity, talent and equipment that is needed, and we can support and offer a high-quality program,” Cook said.

The college tried in the most recent legislative session in 2015 to get a bill passed that would have allowed ACC to offer BSNs but was unsuccessful. Cook said that four-year institutions are strong opponents of such legislation because it could affect their revenue.

“I think many universities across the state are a little nervous about what they perceive to be [as] us invading their territory,” he said. “If we expanded the number of four-year degrees, then obviously we would be cutting into their enrollment.”

In 2014, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board issued a recommendation that the Legislature authorize certain community colleges to offer bachelor’s degrees in nursing where a workforce need is evident.

Cook said ACC and four other two-year institutions have formed a coalition of support for passing legislation allowing them to offer RN-to-BSN programs. He said the college has reached out to state Rep. Donna Howard, D-Austin, and state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, to make sure they are on board with the request and have had conversations with Seton Healthcare Family and St. David’s HealthCare.

“[Adding the degrees] is clearly a move that’s going to strengthen our community as well as the economy,” Cook said.