Abilene ISD students pioneer dual credit Licensed Vocational Nursing Program
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Imagine taking nursing classes in high school. That is the reality for three Abilene students currently enrolled in courses at Holland Medical High School at Hardin-Simmons University.
They are part of the first dual credit Licensed Vocational Nursing Program through Cisco College, which was made possible by Cisco College, Hendrick Health, and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Abilene, all working together with Abilene ISD.
The Dean of Nursing at Cisco College, Dr. Pearl Merritt, started her career as a nurse’s aide and has gained experience as a vocational nurse. Now, with her doctorate, she stresses the importance of having qualified nurses during a time of shortage.
“The severe nursing shortage is the fact that Holland High School wants to do its part in helping the community and helping Hendrick Hospital with the shortage of nurses. This is just another creative way of making that happen,” explained Merritt.
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To qualify for the program, students had to meet requirements such as prerequisite classes, apply for and interview at Cisco College, and pass the Health Education Systems Incorporated Nursing Test.
Student Vivianna Villareal knew she wanted to work in the field from a young age. She studied hard to pass the exam and join the program.
“The HESI test was like a combination of a bunch of different subjects like grammar, critical thinking, and math. Growing up, I was very familiar with what a caregiver looks like. My grandmother always had one by her side, and she showed me what it was like to have compassion in the face of suffering. So, she inspired me to want to give that same care to obviously other patients,” said Villarreal.
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The three students taking classes at the Abilene Cisco College Campus and other students are part of the LVN program. Dr. Merritt shared that Cisco College is one of the state’s three LVN community college programs. She emphasized the importance of vocational nursing as a career that can lead to other opportunities.
“Become a nurse practitioner later on and get a doctorate in nursing and practice. There are many opportunities, but the LVN role is a great foundation to start your healthcare field career,” explained Merritt.
Rachel Sprencel is another student in the program. With her family’s history in the health field, she knew being a nurse felt natural to her. She wants to give back to the community and become a registered nurse one day.
“My mom’s in the healthcare field, my grandma’s in the healthcare field, and my sister’s in the healthcare field. I do want to work in LVN while I’m trying to get my RN, but I know that my end goal is an RN, and I know that I want to work in a hospital,” added Sprencel.
After high school, Cedric Brooks plans to one day be a nurse practitioner. He is thankful to save money now, as LVN programs in college tend to cost thousands. While saying the money is worth it, the program is a lot of hard work, so you have to prioritize it over the traditional education experience.
“Seeing my friends in high school and then being at a totally different campus. Going through the summer is definitely another big adjustment. Know your priorities and just take the time to study because it’s going to be worth it in the end,” added Brooks.
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Upon completion of this program, students will graduate as vocational nurses if they pass their state board. Then, students can continue their education at Cisco College for one more year to receive an associate’s in nursing. After that, they get automatic admission to Texas Tech, and for another year of schooling, they can graduate with their bachelor’s in nursing.
A new group of AISD students is expected to start the program in the fall. It is open to all high school students enrolled at Abilene High School, ATEMS, or Cooper High School.
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