In recent years, the increasing frequency and urgency of reports of nurse shortages have captured the attention of  reporters, legislators, and the public at large. A 2004 feasibility study by researchers at Texas State University-San Marcos confirmed that Central Texas was no exception, and that there was an urgent need for additional nursing education programs to address the nursing shortage regionally. 

The shortage of nurses in general, is also compounded by an increasing demand for nurses with more training. Research shows that patients of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree have better health outcomes than the patients of those without. When caring for patients, BSN prepared nurses rely on advanced critical thinking and problem solving skills, increased medical knowledge, additional clinical practice, and the ability to accomplish multiple tasks and procedures. In light of the benefits of BSNs, it is troubling that the ratio of nurses with BSNs to nurses with Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) is only 2:3, considerably less than the national ration 3:2. As such, Texas not only needs more RNs, but also more BSN-prepared graduates. If the demand for RNs, especially those with the BSN and above, continues to go unment, the quality and access to patient care will likely be adversely affected.

Nursing professionals are consistently listed as one of the most respected and trusted professions in the country. There is confusion surrounding the type of degree needed to practice professional nursing as the path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) is not always clearly articulated. Education for initial licensure as a professional RN is provided through diploma programs, community/junior colleges offering the associate degree in Nursing (ADN), and higher education institutions offering the BSN.

The state of the nursing profession, combined with Texas State University's dedication "to excellence in serving the educational needs of the diverse population of  Texas and the world beyond,” prompted its leaders to begin planning a School of Nursing to help increase the number of RNs and BSNs in Texas. Texas State currently offers a standard BSN program with plans to add other educational paths in the future.