Undergraduate students practice skills in one of the nursing labs in the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math.
Tusculum College has achieved accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nurse Education for the Bachelor of Science in nursing and the RN to BSN program. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is a nationally recognized accrediting agency for baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in nursing and post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs.
In a letter dated May 24, 2017, the CCNE staff stated that the nursing program fully met all accreditation standards.
According to Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum, development of the new program has been a partnership effort from the very beginning. “Thank you to everyone who worked hard in ensuring our success with the accreditation process,” said Dr. Moody.
According to Dr. Moody, the program represents a new avenue for student success as well as a commitment to serve the surrounding community and region.
“Thank you to faculty, students and community partners who have provided their support during the accreditation process. Everyone worked diligently to ensure that we were successful in our efforts to obtain national accreditation of our baccalaureate nursing program. Our graduates are already making a significant impact on our community,” said Dr. Lois Ewen, dean of the school of nursing, who has coordinated the efforts in obtain accreditation. “We look forward to CCNE’s accreditation site visit of our new Master of Science in nursing – nurse practitioner program in September.”
The Tusculum College Bachelor of Science in nursing degree prepares graduates for beginning practice as a generalist registered nurse in a variety of settings. The BSN is the professional degree that is the cornerstone of education for professional practice, career mobility and advancement.
Partnerships with local hospitals and other health care agencies and providers are already in place to work with Tusculum College to educate and train those participating in the new nursing program.
Upon completion of the four-year baccalaureate program in nursing, graduates are eligible to take the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse.
The Nursing Program consists of nursing and non-nursing courses taken over four academic years. Students enter Tusculum College as pre-nursing majors and must complete the first year of the nursing curriculum consisting of general education courses that are nursing program prerequisites.
The program provides students with the opportunity to provide nursing care in a variety of practice settings. Small classes and clinical groups allow for individualized attention. The BSN program has experienced faculty that provide mentorship and support to students.
According to Dr. Ewen, the emphasis of the program is on use of knowledge and skills to plan and implement nursing care. However, critical thinking and decision-making skills are also emphasized and upon completion of the program, students are prepared for graduate study in nursing.