ACC Associate Degree Nursing Director Sally Durand presents information on registered nursing progra

Enrollment and graduates in the Alvin Community College nursing program have nearly doubled since the program was introduced a decade ago.

Nursing Director Sally Durand spoke with the ACC board during its June 28 meeting. During her presentation, Durand stated the program has grown from 98 students 10 years ago to 185 in the coming fall semester. Also, she announced that students taking the State Licensing Exam from the Board of Nursing Examiners exceed the 95 percent pass rate.

According to Durand, hospitals and clinics seek registered nurses with a bachelor of science degree in nursing as opposed to an associate degree. Registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree make up 40 percent of the nursing workforce.

During the meeting, the board approved hiring two associate degree nursing instructors and a replacement instructor for the English Department and voted to replace an HVAC chiller unit that has been reconditioned.

A proposed budget for 2012-2013 academic year was reviewed by the board. Proposed maintenance costs are $25.5 million, which compares to the $25.05 million for the previous academic year. Debt payments in 2012-2013 for building bonds are projected to be $1.49 million. There is no proposed tuition change for the academic year.

Alvin Community College is located at 3110 Mustang Road, Alvin. For more information, visit alvincollege.edu.