The THECB’s work always finds its roots in the state’s strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas. Nowhere is that more evident than in the variety of programs to help Texas meet its future nursing needs.
Demand for registered and licensed vocational nurses in Texas is outpacing the supply, with current projections showing the gap continuing to widen over the next decade. With that in mind, our nursing-focused programs include everything from enhanced training opportunities and open education course materials to grants and low-interest loan programs.
Multiple grant programs dedicate millions of dollars annually to improving the quality of and access to nursing education in Texas:
- The Emergency and Trauma Care Education Partnership Program (ETEP) supports graduate medical education programs and graduate nursing programs to increase training opportunities in emergency and trauma care. Since 2012, ETEP has provided approximately $19.6 million to 635 fellow and resident positions and $6.8 million for 652 graduate nursing positions.
- The Nursing Shortage Reduction Program (NSRP) was created in 2001 to increase the production of licensed nurses at Texas institutions by providing grants to use at their discretion on initiatives to enroll, retain, and graduate more nurses. The 2024-2025 allocation was $46.8 million across three programs.
- The Nursing & Allied Health Nursing Innovation Grant Program (NIGP) provides grant funding to eligible nursing programs that are developing or expanding new activities and projects that promote innovation in the preparation of students, and for faculty who may teach RN licensure programs. Since 2000, approximately $46 million has been awarded to 96 institutions.
On the financial aid side, the Future Occupations and Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan Program is a low-interest loan designed for students enrolled in programs that align with high-value credentials and high-demand occupations, including nursing and patient care.
And don’t forget the ONE Project, spearheaded by our Digital Learning division. Their work provides free textbooks and course materials to nursing students and educators to enhance the learning experience and reduce the costs of nursing education.
These unique programs, along with the growing number of nursing programs at institutions across the state, keep the focus on helping Texans earn valuable credentials with minimal debt while meeting the economic and healthcare needs of Texans.
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