Senator Timilty Lauds Labouré College of Healthcare Nursing Program Reinstatement by Board of Registration in Nursing
(BOSTON – 07/14/2023) State Senator Walter F. Timilty (D-Milton) lauds the reinstatement of Labouré College of Healthcare Associate of Science in Nursing (“ASN”) program.
On June 20, Labouré had received written notification from the Board of Registration in Nursing (“BORN”) withdrawing approval of the College’s ASN program.
“I am thrilled that the BORN has reinstated Labouré College’s nursing program,” said Timilty, who wrote a letter to the BORN urging them to reconsider their decision to withdraw program approval.
“Labouré College is a vital institution that has been combating the Massachusetts nursing shortage through its Associate of Science in Nursing program. The college’s students mirror the diverse patient population on a greater scale than any nursing program in New England. These graduates are making a real difference in the lives of patients in our communities and that makes this decision a victory for the college, its students, and the healthcare workforce in Massachusetts,” he added.
Timilty submitted a letter to BORN appealing for the program to be reinstated. Then, on July 12, BORN voted to reinstate the ASN program, with an “approval with warning” status. The college will be allowed to enroll students in all nursing courses. As part of their decision, BORN staff will conduct a site visit in the fall and review the college’s progress and approval status in October.
In his letter to the Board, Timilty wrote “Labouré College has compiled compelling evidence and information that demonstrates the critical role its nurses play in our Greater Boston communities and the significant impact their education and service have on the healthcare workforce. As an invaluable institution that has been combating the Massachusetts nursing shortage through its ASN program, Labouré College with 1,340 students currently enrolled, is the largest associate-level nursing program in New England.”
“There is still work for us to do but [the date of the vote] was a big day for Labouré and its students,” said Lil Hsu, EdD, president of Labouré College of Healthcare.
Labouré College nurses play a critical role in the Greater Boston communities and there is a significant impact their education and service have on the healthcare workforce.
“Labouré is an invaluable institution. Labouré students are increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce. Moreover, they mirror the diverse Boston patient population on a greater scale than any nursing program in New England,” said Timilty.
Since 2019, during the challenges of the pandemic, over 1,200 associate-level nurses have graduated from Labouré College and successfully passed their National Council Licensure Examination to become registered nurses, addressing the urgent need for qualified healthcare professionals in our region.
Notably, Labouré College has demonstrated its commitment to increasing the diversity of the Massachusetts healthcare workforce. Labouré College’s students are 67% BIPOC, and they mirror the diverse Boston patient.
Furthermore, by offering an ASN degree, Labouré College breaks the cycle of poverty for many of its students and their families. The average student age is 35, and 63% of students live at or are approaching the federal poverty line. Moreover, 51% of Labouré students are raising young children, and over 50% are currently working in Greater Boston as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), nurse aides, and medical assistants. The ASN degree provides them with access to the nursing wage scale, offering a significant step up on the wage ladder and opening doors to economic stability for these individuals and their families.
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