The Texas Lutheran University nursing program is celebrating a brand-new milestone: the graduation of its five hundredth student.

“Reaching the milestone of our five hundredth nursing graduate in less than ten years is a testament to the hard work of the TLU leadership and nursing faculty who foresaw the need for more highly educated nurses and embraced the idea of offering accelerated nursing programs during the height of COVID,” says TLU Director of Nursing Dr. Ruth Eby. “This achievement underscores the vital role our program plays in shaping compassionate, skilled nurses who are making a difference in healthcare.”

Currently, TLU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, offered at TLU’s New Braunfels and Houston campuses, is the most popular program. “TLU Nursing is a strong program, offering options for traditional and transfer students on the Seguin campus and in Houston, as well as offering accelerated options for students who have a previous degree at both the Houston and New Braunfels campuses.” Eby adds that beginning this fall, the direct entry Master of Science in Nursing program, currently offered only at the New Braunfels campus, will be an option in Houston as well.

The current job market for graduating nurses couldn’t be stronger. “With an expected shortfall of over 56,000 Registered Nurses in Texas in the next ten years, nursing is a high-demand job,” Eby says. “Graduates can expect competitive salaries with a variety of opportunities throughout the region and across the country.” She goes on to explain that nurses are needed at all levels. “For those wishing to advance in the profession, both baccalaureate and master’s prepared nurses will find many paths to explore and significant potential for career growth.”

Which is great news for the next five hundred graduates, and beyond. “We are incredibly proud of this legacy,” says Eby. “And we’re excited to continue educating the next generation of nursing leaders.”