Partnership Offers Inaugural Nursing Pathway to Students
This fall, Klein ISD and Lone Star College — Tomball are embarking on a new partnership designed for Klein ISD high school students interested in pursuing their passion for nursing and the medical field through the new Advanced Nursing Pathway. In addition, the Texas State Board of Nursing had indicated that the program, the first of its kind, will likely be the model for nursing pathway programs for the State of Texas.
“We are thrilled to launch this new Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway to Klein ISD students,” said Klein ISD Superintendent Dr. Bret Champion. “This first-of-its-kind pathway is not only an incredible opportunity for our students, it represents what is possible when innovative, student-focused educators at all levels work together to ensure student success.”
The pathway, designed for students to obtain an Associates of Arts degree while simultaneously earning their high school diploma, begins this fall with three cohorts of students. Students admitted into the program completed an application process including student and parent components, student essay and interviews.
“The Advanced Nursing Pathway is a very real and innovative example of our Klein ISD promise to purpose vision in action,” said Klein ISD Chief Learning Officer, Jenny McGown. “By reimagining and expanding our strategic partnerships to include Lone Star College — Tomball, we are able to increase pathways to ensure that EVERY student exits with a purpose.”
Students enrolled in the program will attend the Klein High School campus for their freshman and sophomore years with the opportunity to complete up to fifteen college credit hours during that time. Over the course of their junior and senior years, students will engage in learning at the Lone Star College — Tomball Health Science building and will receive clinical learning experiences at the partnering hospital, Tomball Regional Medical Center.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with Klein ISD to offer the Advanced Nursing Pathway,” said Quentin Wright of Lone Star College-Tomball. “This innovative program will achieve many key college goals including providing a high-quality education in a cost-effective manner, responding to an industry employment need, and providing students with a seamless path to their baccalaureate degree or desired career field.”
Industry standard certifications and licensures are built into the Associate’s Degree pathway and upon successful completion, students will be eligible to obtain the Certified Nurse Assistant (CAN) Level 1 certificate before high school graduation.
“This program is an incredibly exciting opportunity to serve students’ needs and interests,” said Klein ISD Executive Director of College and Career Pathways, Beth Gilleland. “It is gratifying to watch students explore their passion for their future career in health science and pursue their dreams.”
At full implementation, the Advanced Nursing Pathway will be comprised of up to 80 students. After high school graduation, students may continue in the pathway at Lone Star College — Tomball to work toward their Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) certificate, and can eventually get their Registered Nurse (RN) license and an additional associate’s degree.
Designed for students who have a passion for caring for people, the innovative Advanced Nursing Pathway partnership between Klein ISD and Lone Star College — Tomball is significant for students interested in the nursing field by providing hands-on laboratory, classroom and clinical facility rotations. The pathway allows these students to build a strong foundation for a nursing career right after high school.
Best Public Schools in Texas
Klein ISD has an established 84-year history of excellence and innovation in education with unique pathways for EVERY student in our care to ensure learners are college, career, military, and life ready. With recognition for STEM, athletics, fine arts, and academics from highly-esteemed organizations, it is clear that Our Shared Vision of every student entering with a promise and exiting with a purpose is a reality for EVERY student who walks through our doors.
About Klein ISD
Klein ISD is a school district in Klein, Texas, located in northwestern Harris County. The district spans approximately 88 square miles and serves more than 53,000 students in 33 elementary schools, 10 intermediate campuses, one high school program of choice, and 5 high schools.
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