Friday, August 08, 2008
I am very pleased to announce the University of Great Falls is offering a new program and degree, an RN to BSN program with a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. We are developing the program in partnership with our parent ministry, Providence Health & Services (PH&S).
This degree, the BSN, and program are offered to those already possessing an RN and an Associates degree but desiring a Bachelors degree for professional and personal reasons. The curriculum is oriented heavily to developing leadership, ethics, and analytical skills, supporting an RN to advance within an organization and to become a more exemplary and efficient nurse.
The University of Great Falls is part of the larger PH&S ministry, which includes 22 hospitals and of course, St. Thomas Child Care Center here in Great Falls. The development of this RN to BSN program has been a partnership between our University and a number of the PH&S hospitals and staff, as well as the leadership team of PH&S. It has been a very exciting time at the University and in PH&S. We have moved with alacrity and a commitment to excellence.
Two weeks ago, 24 students, all of whom are Registered Nurses from Oregon and California, began work as a cohort on their BSN degrees here on campus. These students were taught by University of Great Falls faculty members and academically qualified nurse educators in the PH&S system. All 24 students successfully completed this initial intense period of study, which included courses on statistics, writing and ethics. Their time here also included a major service project: providing bicycle safety information and helmets to Montana’s children. They will continue their studies by distance video technology through the University of Great Falls’ distance learning program.
This program is important to the University of Great Falls for several reasons:
1. It is a great opportunity to increase our enrollment. We anticipate very significant enrollment from within our PH&S system for several years, starting with growth in this program.
2. This degree and program fits very well with the University of Great Falls’ vision of our University serving as a transformational force in the life of our students. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree later in life is a great achievement. Our University community has a gift for supporting those with the uncommon courage to seize the value of higher education later in life.
3. This partnership between our University and PH&S is a unique undertaking, which may be of interest to other Catholic universities and hospitals. We will gladly share our experiences with others.
4. The program is also an indication of PH&S’ and the Sisters of Providence’s continued commitment to the community of Great Falls and to our shared mission and values.
This is a very important program and degree for the University of Great Falls. It fits our mission very well and offers great financial possibilities for us. It is a wonderful opportunity to partner with PH&S to serve.