As the Nursing program continues to flourish, TLU will open a Houston campus location this October. The expansion is another opportunity for the university to extend its academic excellence and commitment to lifelong learning within the Houston market. President Cottrell will host a grand opening of the 15,000-square-foot facility on October 18, when guests can tour the state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, study spaces, and faculty and administrative offices.
Located on the northwest side of Houston (10235 W. Little York Rd. Suite 350), TLU Director of Nursing Dr. Amie Bedgood says the location was strategically selected so the program could reach
students where they are, while also serving an area of Houston that has many health care opportunities for future graduates.
“The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is reaching second-degree students who have a desire to serve through impacting the lives and health of individuals in their communities,” Dr. Bedgood said. “By extending our program to the Houston market, TLU can expand its impact beyond central Texas to meet the growing need for competent and safe nursing professionals.”
According to Dr. Bedgood, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) reports the demand for Registered Nurses (RN) continues to rise, with supply not keeping pace. By 2025, Texas will have a deficit of 57,012 nurses, with the DSHS estimating 16 percent of that need will not be met. Additionally, the Houston Metropolitan Service Area (MSA) is projected to grow from 7.2 million residents in 2021 to 8.4 million by 2031.
“Of those 8.4 million residents, 2.6 million will be over the age of 50,” she said. “Houston is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States and the largest one in Texas, currently growing at a rate of 7 percent annually. In 2020, the Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies reported that almost 40 percent of qualified applicants were not admitted into a prelicensure RN program. TLU’s Houston campus will directly increase opportunities for individuals to earn a bachelor’s degree, improving overall access to nursing education within the area.”