Pine Technical College and Bethel University have partnered to bring a bachelor of science degree in nursing (B.S.N.) program to nursing students and healthcare professionals in the Pine Area. PTC has offered a rich lineup of nursing and healthcare programs including practical nursing, nursing assistant training, emergency medical services training, and much more; however, until now, a B.S.N. program was inaccessible for nursing students in the Pine Area.
“We know local hospitals and clinics are experiencing a shortage of qualified BSNs, and they struggle to recruit enough applicants with this degree level,” said Krista Hoekstra, Director of Nursing at PTC. “With this need on the rise, we couldn’t be more excited to offer our own graduates and area RNs [registered nurses] a convenient, local way to reach that goal,” Hoekstra adds.
The program and degree is offered by Bethel University, and classes take place at the Pine Technical College campus. Up to 30 students are accepted and move through the program together, taking one course at a time for 18 to 20 months. The program is designed as a cohort model, where students progress through the program primarily in the same group of 24 to 30 learners. Research shows cohorts serve as a source of support academically and professionally as students progress through their coursework and manage the demands of work, education, and family life all at once. While many applicants for the program are graduates of PTC’s nursing mobility program and have earned their RN credential, the program is open to RNs who may have earned their degrees or credentials from other institutions.
“Since the program is located at the PTC campus, it’s very convenient for our students. Now, all on our campus, students can move from nursing assistant, to trained medication aide, to LPN, to RN, and now to B.S.N. with the Bethel partnership,” Hoekstra says.
Recognizing the new partnership, Bethel University is providing PTC graduates in the first cohort of students -- starting this Fall term -- a scholarship totaling one-third of tuition (a value of more than $5,300). Traditional financial aid is also available for those who qualify.
Pine Technical College has recognized the need for more medically trained professionals in East Central Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and the college has responded by expanding its lineup of healthcare programs to include nursing assistant courses that meet training requirements for both Minnesota and Wisconsin, a medical laboratory technician program in partnership with Lake Superior College, and most recently, a medical assistant A.A.S. degree. Additionally, PTC offers phlebotomy and electrocardiography (EKG/ECG) credentials, which will help our region’s healthcare students and professionals to become sought-after, multi-skilled workers.
No comments:
Post a Comment