Tusculum College nursing program receives initial approval from Tennessee Board of Nursing

Tusculum College has earned initial approval from the Tennessee Board of Nursing for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the RN to BSN programs set to begin this coming fall, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

President Nancy B. Moody, Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of nursing, Dr. Melinda Dukes, vice president for Academic Affairs and Steve Gehret, vice president and chief financial officer for the college, appeared before the Tennessee Board of Nursing on Wednesday and presented the college’s request for initial approval.

Moody stressed that the development of the new program has been a partnership effort from the very beginning.

“Thank you to everyone who has played a role in developing and approving the programs including members of the feasibility and steering committees, the Programs and Policies Committee, the faculty and the Board of Trustees,” said Moody.

She added, “I also need to thank Dr. Beth Stullenbarger who provided consultation support and to Dr. Greg Hawkins who facilitated project management and the application materials. Thank you to our donors, the members of the Nursing Advisory Council and our clinical facility partners.”

The presentation included elements such as the school’s SACSCOC regional accreditation since 1927 and degree granting approval through the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The group also presented information on program approval and support from the faculty and board, plans to seek programmatic accreditation and funding allocated by action of the Board of Trustees for the program.

According to Ewen, interested students are already inquiring about the program.

“We have begun the process of hiring faculty and outlining course content,” said Ewen. “We expect to have a good number of students enrolled this fall who are either pursuing their first degree in nursing or adding to the skills and education they have already acquired by completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing.”

The college anticipates offering the nursing program to students effective August 2012; however, the proposed degree program is contingent upon final approval from SACSCOC and the Tennessee Board of Nursing.