Findlay to Pursue Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The University of Findlay will move forward with plans to offer both a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program and a BSN-completion program for nurses holding associate degrees.

Following both internal and external approvals, the first class for the BSN program will be admitted in the fall of 2014. The BSN-completion program will begin in January 2014, pending approval.

A feasibility study was completed and presented to the Board of Trustees at its Oct. 5 meeting. The study strongly supports the launch of the new program. A practice-focused curriculum was confirmed as an emerging trend, and UF’s strengths in clinical education in the health professions provide a strong basis for this approach.

It is predicted that there will be 1.2 million job openings for registered nurses in the next eight years, accompanied by an expected shortage of registered nurses by the year 2020. To meet the projected need, an additional 30,000 nurses need to graduate from nursing schools annually, an expansion of 30 percent over the current number graduating.