Nurses

Educational requirements are becoming more rigorous for today's healthcare professionals. Physical therapists and pharmacists now complete a clinical doctorate. Physician assistants need a master's degree. Respiratory technologists increasingly complete a bachelor's degree. But registered nurses can still enter professional practice with an associate degree. In an increasingly complex healthcare environment, many are concerned that this isn't enough.

BSNs Preferred

Many hospitals now prefer nurses with a bachelor's degree. "Some recent two-year graduates tell us that they're not getting interviews because employers want nurses with a four-year degree," says Marilyn Loen, dean of the college of nursing and health sciences at Metropolitan State University.

This preference extends to healthcare organizations that provide clinical training for nursing students. According to Loen, some clinical sites now give preference to students who are completing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

Many nursing students, however, are working adults who don't have the time or money for a traditional four-year college program. And even if they did, there is an acute shortage of such programs in the Twin Cities area.

A Seamless Transition

That's why Metropolitan State University is expanding its BSN program. During the next two years, the university will begin offering upper division nursing courses at local community and technical colleges.

The program began in Fall 2007 at Inver Hill Community College. Eventually, the program will be available at Century College, North Hennepin Community College and Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

The transition from the associate to the BSN program is designed to be seamless. And the location and scheduling will make these "satellite programs" convenient for working adults. Students will also be more employable. "Employers are more likely to hire a recent two-year graduate who is already enrolled in a BSN program," Loen says.

Expanding The Options

Walter Mabururu completed a two-year degree in nursing in Spring 2007 at Inver Hills Community College and is planning to earn a BSN. "I want to be a more knowledgeable, well-rounded nurse," he says. "And I like the flexibility of taking classes once a week and being able to go to school part-time."

It's also easier for students to go directly from the associate degree to the BSN. "If you wait too long, you might not go back to school," Mabururu says. The statistics bear this out: only about 15 percent of nurses with a two-year degree ever complete a baccalaureate.

Although completing a BSN will take several more years, Mabururu believes that the degree will expand his career options. "I know it will be worth it," he says.