Submitted by Dr. Renae Schumann, dean of the HBU School of Nursing and Allied Health
HBU School of Nursing and Allied Health
It’s a time of growth for the HBU School of Nursing and Allied Health. Just this school year, we’ve launched two Master of Science in Nursing tracks, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care (PNP-PC). Also this school year, we’ve begun to offer the Master of Science in Kinesiology (MSKM) Sport Management degree.
For a long time, the nurses HBU produces have been known as some of the best among employers in the Texas Medical Center and far beyond. In fact, the passing rate for the NCLEX (nursing board exam) among HBU Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates is well above the national average, at about 90 percent.
Now, nurses can reach the next level of expertise through HBU’s master’s-level programs. HBU’s School of Nursing and Allied Health is the first in the state to receive approval from the Texas Board of Nursing for two separate advanced practice nursing tracks at the same time.
When it comes to the possibilities for MSN graduates, they are numerous. Especially with a shortage of physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs) fill a special need, and allow patients to receive timely and quality care. The forecast for the career remains strong; the demand for NPs outpaces the number of people entering the vocation.
Similar to our nursing program, the undergraduate degrees in Kinesiology, with specializations in Sport Management, Wellness Management, Athletic Training and Teaching, produce well-equipped graduates. They serve in educational, medical, sports and wellness capacities. At the master’s level, the degree enables professionals to be more specialized, and to act in leadership capacities in their organizations. Work settings range from sports teams to school districts and beyond.
One of the greatest aspects of each of these three master’s programs is that the curriculum is offered online, giving our students the flexible learning environment they need. FNP and PNP-PC students also gain expertise with extensive clinical hours and one-on-one feedback. While I could say much about the School of Nursing and Allied Health faculty (the best), and our students (the brightest), perhaps what makes our programs truly unparalleled among its peers is that the tenets of the Christian faith inform all that we do. From placing value on human life to seeking to improve quality of life, the Christian worldview underpins our curriculum. We know that providing medical care and facilitating wellness is indispensable. From education to ethics, our programs are exceptional. I invite you to learn more.