Incoming ninth graders at Fox Tech High School who are interested pursuing a nursing career are invited to apply for a new program begun by Alamo Colleges District and the San Antonio ISD.
The background
Officials with ACD and SAISD on Nov. 30 announced the launch of Healthcare Pathways in Technology Early College High School, or H-TECH, a program that will allow incoming ninth grade applicants at Fox Tech the chance to earn an associate’s degree with a registered nursing certification.
ACD officials said the program is designed to answer a growing need for nurses in the San Antonio area and removes obstacles for degree-seeking students, fast-tracking them into high-paying medical positions, including registered nurse and nurse manager. ACD and SAISD officials developed the program with Methodist Hospital Metropolitan and University Health.
According to a news release, local health care industry leaders project that there will be a yearly average of more than 26,000 local registered nursing positions needed by 2030, about an 18.3% increase compared to averages in 2020.
H-TECH at Fox Tech students may earn a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, and choose to obtain industry-based certifications in patient care technician, pharmacy technician, phlebotomy technician, or electrocardiogram technician at no cost to them.
Once students finish the six-year H-TECH program, they are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. Those who pass the exam will be registered nurses in Texas and may complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing in one additional year, the release states.
What they’re saying
ACD Chancellor Mike Flores said his group of community colleges seeks to collaborate with other local educational institutions toward advancing students’ career pursuits.
“This collaboration will create pathways to success for countless high school students and meet the needs of the future medical job market,” Flores said in a statement.
SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino said his school district is committed to providing life-changing educational opportunities for students.
“As we deepen our partnership with San Antonio College, this new degree plan will remove financial barriers for families of students seeking a nursing career,” Aquino said in statement.
