University of North Texas Health Science Center
Building a Stronger Future for Nursing Education in Fort Worth
The Challenge
The University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center at Fort Worth is one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, home to five schools specializing in patient-centered education, research, and healthcare. To meet the growing demand for qualified nurses in Texas and beyond, UNT Health Science Center sought to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a new College of Nursing on its Fort Worth campus.
How We Helped
In February 2022, Tripp Umbach was retained to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the potential development of a new nursing school at the UNT Health Science Center. The study included secondary data analysis, key stakeholder interviews, economic impact projections, and recommendations for programming structure, timelines, and budget development. The goal was to equip university leadership with the insights needed to make an informed decision regarding the creation of the College of Nursing.
Tripp Umbach’s findings recommended the development of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program—either traditional or accelerated—along with master’s and doctoral programs integrated across existing graduate and professional schools. When fully operational in 2026, the new College of Nursing is projected to generate $16.7 million in annual economic impact, support more than 150 jobs, and contribute $342,000 in local tax revenue.
Beyond the numbers, the proposed nursing college is expected to spark additional regional economic development through expanded research and clinical partnerships and new private-sector collaborations. By developing a strong specialty focus and an integrated educational model, UNT Health Science Center will strengthen the state’s nursing workforce and set a new standard for nursing education in Texas.