Community Impact reports that SHSU School of Nursing Director Devon M. Berry said when SHSU is finished with the $13 TO $14 million Woodlands Center renovation, almost 25% more nursing students will be let in per cohort.
In fall of 2029, when the expansion is complete, there will be a 70% growth in total enrollment. This will increase the number of students to around 729 from 425.
Berry said that they were acting in response to the need for nurses in Texas. In response to the need, they wanted to find a way to increase enrollment.
The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis reports that by 2038 there will be a need for 307,520 registered nurses. Beginning in 2028, there will be a shortage in licensed vocational nurses.
The space for the renovation project will grow from 9,600 square feet to 35,600 square feet. Two areas will be dedicated to the new square footage—new classrooms and new skills and simulations labs.
The expanded their space by renovations and not by increasing their footprint.
Berry said one of the issues when it comes to an enrollment which is growing is the need for clinical space. A way to offset the issues is to provide simulation training for nursing students.
Also, according to Berry, upon completion of the renovation project, the number of skills and simulation labs in the nursing school will have doubled.
