Temple College is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Vocational Nursing Program with an Open House from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Dell Martin Nursing Education Center.
The Vocational Nursing Program launched in the fall of 1973 and graduated its first class of 14 students in August 1974. More than a thousand have since graduated from the program and began their careers of service.
“Fifty years is a significant milestone. This is a special time to celebrate the history of the program, encourage current students and look forward to our future,” said Tracey Cooper, MSN, RN, CNE, Dean of Health Professions and Chair of the Nursing Department. “Our hope is that we fill the Nursing Education Center with alumni from the program, former faculty members and members of the community.”
The Open House will begin with introductory remarks, which will be followed by tours and activities throughout the Center.
History of the Temple College VN Program
Temple College began its Vocational Nursing Program in the fall of 1973. As the program developed, classes moved from Berry Hall on the main campus to the Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Center.
In 1982, the Nursing Education Building on the East Campus became its present home. A Vocational Nursing extension program was opened at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center in Taylor from 2004-2020.
The Nursing Education Building underwent renovations in 2005 and became the Dell Martin Nursing Education Center.
Cooper said current Vocational Nursing faculty bridge the past and the future, as all are graduates of the program – Audra Xenakis DNP, RN (1991); Paula Reeves, BSN, RN (2007); and Niomi Quinteros BSN, RN (2003).
Building for the Future
In 2021, a bond package was passed that is funding multiple projects across campus, including an addition and renovations to the Health Sciences Center, which will provide a new Nursing Simulation Center and classroom space to accommodate the current need and future growth.
“There is a great need for nurses in the communities we serve and throughout the state of Texas,” Cooper said. “We work hard to maintain high standards and equip our nurses with the skills and training they need to move into the workforce.”
The Temple College Vocational Nursing Program is an approved one-year certificate program, consisting of three consecutive semesters. The Vocational Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON).
Cooper said Temple College nursing programs are among the best in the state with National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rates consistently above the state and national levels.
To learn more about Temple College’s Vocational Nursing Program, visit the website or call 254-298-8664.
ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE
Temple College is “Your Community’s College,” a dynamic and growing community college that equips thousands of Central Texas students with the knowledge and skills for 21st-century success. Temple College, which has campuses in Temple, Hutto and Taylor, offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs to students who seek to earn credits for transfer, graduate with an associate degree or complete a certificate for fast entry into the workforce.
Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed a reputation for academic excellence for 97 years. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional programs, from visual and performing arts to competitive athletics. The College has become one of the state’s premiere institutions for healthcare providers’ education and training, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.