Excitement filled the air at UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth on January 13, as siblings Alberthy and Estrella Carretero stepped into their first day of classes. They were greeted with shouts and cheers from faculty and staff singing a fun welcome song.
The Carretero siblings, along with their best friend Daniel Lee-Muñoz, became part of the inaugural group of 30 students in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at UNT’s College of Nursing. “Seeing these students we’ve created a curriculum for is incredible,” said Cindy Weston, the college’s dean. She emphasized that the program is designed to prepare nurses for today’s healthcare needs and future challenges.
UNT Health Science Center opened its College of Nursing in fall 2024 to address a significant nursing shortage in Texas, which is estimated to be around 7,000 nurses. Alongside the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the center also launched a Master’s program for working nurses with classes available online.
Recently, the college unveiled a new, 10,500-square-foot facility equipped with modern offices, workstations, and a room for interactive teaching. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is the second initiative introduced after the Master’s program. This fall, the college plans to start a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program as well.
Tarrant County has several institutions offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, including Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. What sets HSC apart, according to Weston, is its focus on collaboration among various health disciplines.
For Alberthy Carretero, 22, being part of the first class is a dream come true. After losing his older sister in a tragic accident, he felt called to nursing as a way to honor her memory. He believes everything fell into place for a reason. “I manifested getting into this program to serve others and help heal,” he said.
Alberthy plans to work in either emergency care or intensive care. His sister Estrella and friend Daniel aim for careers in pediatrics, reflecting their shared passion for helping others.
David Moreno covers health topics for the Fort Worth Report with support from a grant by Texas Health Resources. You can contact him at david.moreno@fortworthreport.org or find him on Twitter @davidmreports.
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College of Nursing,Nurses,Nursing education,University of North Texas Health Science Center,UNT Health Science Center
