The nursing programs at Fairfield University’s Austin campus have been approved for veterans' education by the Texas Veterans Commission. The approval means that veterans and eligible family members enrolled in the school’s programs may use their federal or state veterans’ education benefits to pursue their degrees.

“Fairfield has long been committed to the veteran population with our Yellow Ribbon and Veterans Pride programs, and we look forward to connecting with a whole new population of students in Austin,” said Walter Rankin, PhD, vice provost of graduate, professional, and continuing studies.

Fairfield Austin offers two programs through its nationally ranked Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies: a 15-month Second Degree Nursing program, leading to a bachelor of science with a major in nursing, and a 36-month Nurse Anesthesia program, leading to a doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

Both full-time programs hold onsite classes at Fairfield’s state-of-the-art facility on Shoal Creek Boulevard in Austin. The facility features a 21-bed clinical learning laboratory and eight simulation rooms for creating fully immersive learning scenarios. Simulations span from pediatrics to geriatrics in a variety of care settings, including intensive care units, operating rooms, and home health.

Approval of the Austin programs will make Fairfield an attractive option to veterans looking for a nursing education. Their backgrounds already suggest a strong cultural fit for the University, whose Jesuit mission strives to educate men and women for others and to promote a culture that protects the needs of the most vulnerable.

“Coming from a military family, I am always impressed by the dedication of our veteran students. They innately understand our mission and dedication to serving others, and they have the focus and experience that helps prepare them to be outstanding student leaders,” said Vice Provost Rankin.

The Texas Veterans Commission is the State Approving Agency for Texas. It is contracted by the Department of Veteran Affairs to determine which education and training programs may be approved for veterans. The approval process ensures that institutions are compliant with federal guidelines and are qualified to provide the education and training they offer.

Fairfield’s Egan School is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and its DNP in Nurse Anesthesia program is approved by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Graduates of the Second Degree Nursing and Nurse Anesthesia programs are qualified to sit for their respective licensure exams to become registered nurses (RN) or certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA).