Alma College to add four-year nursing degree program

Alma College will be offering a new way to learn nursing in mid-Michigan, applying the college's strong liberal arts principles to the fast-growing health care field.

 

The Michigan State Board of Nursing granted a preliminary approval to the school to launch a bachelor's degree in nursing. If the school passes a site visit to check its facilities and clinical capabilities, the first class of up to 32 nursing students would begin in the fall of 2014. 

 

Judith McKenna, the newly-hired director of nursing education at Alma, says the program will emphasize creative problem-solving and a well-rounded education.

 

"Nurses need a liberal arts preparation," says McKenna. "Students in our program will not be taught in silos or segregated from other students. Other faculty and disciplines will influence the education of our nursing students."

 

She adds that the four-year nursing degree is gaining in popularity, as it becomes the minimum educational standard for those who want to advance in the nursing profession.

 

A curriculum was approved in September, and the college has formed a partnership with MidMichigan Medical Center-Gratiot in Alma for clinical laboratory space to ensure students have clinical education opportunities.

 

The nursing program joins other health care-focused programs at Alma, including health care administration, physiology and health science, public health, biochemistry and biology, as well as pre-professional programs for medicine, dentistry, physical and occupational therapy.