CMU launches online BSN degree

Central Michigan University’s (CMU) new online nursing degree program launching this fall is designed to allow current registered nurses (RNs) to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in one year.

In early June, The Institutional Actions Committee of theHigher Learning Commission approved CMU’s request to begin offering theprogram, and the program is now accepting applications from interestedstudents.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the demand fornurses will grow 15 percent by 2026, making it one of the nation’sfastest-growing career fields.

Kechi Iheduru-Anderson, CMU’s director of nursing, said agrowing nationwide nursing shortage is creating high demand for well-trained,highly skilled nurses in Michigan and beyond. And for nurses hoping to landgreat jobs with hospitals or health care systems, a bachelor’s degree is oftena requirement.

A 2010 report from the Institute of Medicine, now theNational Academy of Medicine, said only about half of current registered nurseshad completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at the time of its release.Iheduru-Anderson said the same report also recommended that hospitals increasethe percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s degree to 80 percent by the year2020.

The additional training required to earn a bachelor’s degreeis better for patients, Iheduru-Anderson said.

“While most two-year RN programs focus on skill development,the BSN program includes more emphasis on advanced skills such as criticalthinking, decision-making and cultural competence. In addition, the bachelor’sdegree expands education to include leadership, research and community andpopulation health,” she said.

“Research has found that nurses who obtain the BSN providemore holistic, better-quality care. Several studies have shown that nurses withgreater levels of education experience lower patient mortality rates and betterpatient outcomes.”

The online-only program is for students who have an active registered RN license. Students will be able to complete their degree in 12 months or less, Iheduru-Anderson said.

Tom Masterson, dean of The Herbert H. and Grace A. DowCollege of Health Professions, said the new program is part of CMU’s ongoingcommitment to meet Michigan’s need for well-trained health care professionals. “Wewill help fill the gap in nursing education as well as expand our role inimproving our health care system,” said Masterson.

Source: Central Michigan University