The accreditation and approval processes necessary to fully implement Michigan Technological University’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program have been completed.
The program was created to rehome Finlandia University’s nursing program after it closed in May, and was announced Oct. 9 by the Commission on Higher Learning, Michigan Technological University’s institutional accreditor. The final hurdle of approval has been cleared.
Efforts to establish programs and continue nursing education in the Copper Country received swift and widespread support throughout the community, including Tech’s clinical partners in the region. Andrew Storer, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, said Finlandia faculty, staff, and students who transitioned to Tech for the fall 2023 semester have been warmly welcomed.
“We are pleased to have received all approvals for the nursing program,” Storer said. “I have really enjoyed watching our new nursing faculty participate in the academic life of the university, bringing their perspectives to the various committees and working groups that work to move Michigan Tech forward. It was.”
“When I walk around campus and see students in nursing scrubs, I am reminded of our important role as members of the community and our contributions to the health resources of the Upper Peninsula.”
Mr. Storer’s support and the diligent work of faculty, staff, and key members of the College of Engineering Senate were critical to making the transition swift and successful. Storer noted that approval was received this summer from the Michigan Board of Nursing and the program’s professional accrediting agency.
The Nursing program is located in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Science and Arts at Michigan Technological University. Program Director Lori Sullivan also emphasized the continuity of the program and the importance of MTU’s partnership with local clinical partners and area employers.
“As the only nursing degree program in the western Upper Peninsula, it was important to us to keep it relevant to the community,” Sullivan said. “Rural areas are struggling to attract nurses, especially amid a nursing shortage. Educating nurses locally will help address this issue and lead to healthier communities. ”
“The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at MTU gives local students the opportunity to pursue their career path without leaving the region. This increases the likelihood that they will remain in the region after graduation. Masu.”
Although MTU offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing for the first time, nursing education is not. Michigan Technological University previously offered an associate degree in nursing from 1973 to 1982.as Program history A paper published in 2019 by the Michigan Technological University Archives notes that many of the graduates chose to remain in the Upper Peninsula. “In total, just over 300 graduates continue to faithfully care for patients in hospitals in Michigan and across the nation, earning professional acclaim and successfully pursuing further education in their chosen fields.” has been written. “Meanwhile, majors that enable Huskies to contribute to ever-changing medical specialties continue to thrive. Biological sciences, kinesiology, bioinformatics, and other programs remain popular on campus today. This is a revolutionary option.”
Michigan Technological University’s pre-medical programs offer other options for students in any degree field who want to prepare for a career in the medical field, from dentistry to veterinary medicine.
Founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, Michigan Technological University is a public research university with more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the nation’s best universities for return on investment, Michigan’s flagship polytechnic offers 120 schools in science, technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social studies. We offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs. science and art. This rural campus is located just a few miles from Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor adventures year-round.
