Transforming Nursing Education: How TXST and CHRISTUS Health Are Revolutionizing Training for Future Nurses

Texas State University (TXST) and CHRISTUS Health have teamed up to boost nursing education and strengthen the healthcare workforce in Texas. This partnership was officially signed on November 19 at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital in San Marcos.

TXST President Kelly Damphousse, along with hospital leaders Robert Honeycutt and Anna Gore, celebrated the collaboration, which launches in Fall 2025 with 25 nursing students. Through this partnership, TXST nursing students will gain hands-on clinical experience at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, focusing on compassionate care and teamwork. This immersion aims to build their confidence and professional identity before they enter the workforce.

This initiative comes at a vital time. Texas is expected to face a shortage of over 57,000 registered nurses by 2036. The growing need for healthcare professionals makes partnerships like this one essential. By creating more clinical placements, TXST is preparing more graduates to fill these roles in underserved communities.

For Fall 2025, TXST received a record 378 applicants for its nursing program, the highest ever. After graduation in May 2026, about 128 students will become nurses, marking the largest graduating class for the St. David’s School of Nursing since its inception.

“We appreciate CHRISTUS for partnering with us to offer hands-on learning opportunities for our students, directly addressing the healthcare demands in our region,” Damphousse said. “With more students graduating each year, we’re equipping a new generation of nurses to tackle Texas’s nursing shortage.”

CHRISTUS Health benefits from this partnership too. It ensures that graduates are well-prepared and familiar with their standards, which can enhance retention and improve patient care. “By merging Texas State’s esteemed nursing curriculum with our training, we’re grooming future nurses to adapt to our community’s changing needs,” Honeycutt noted. This collaboration will lead to innovative clinical rotations and mentorship opportunities, enriching both students’ experiences and the quality of care provided.

Additionally, both institutions will work together on research and quality improvement initiatives to advance clinical education and patient outcomes. This partnership signifies a shared commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery and investing in the next generation of nurses, equipping them with the skills and compassion needed in today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

According to a recent survey by the Texas Hospital Association, the demand for nurses continues to grow as the population ages, and chronic diseases rise. The partnership between TXST and CHRISTUS Health not only addresses immediate needs but also sets a foundation for sustainable healthcare solutions in Texas.

In a world where reliable healthcare is paramount, initiatives like this are crucial. They represent hope for the future and assure that communities will have the professionals needed to provide quality healthcare.

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