Responding to Market Demand, Assumption Announces Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Assumption announced that it has received pre-requisite approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing for a new direct-admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) that will prepare students to practice high quality, patient-centered professional nursing care. The program is pending approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is expected by the end of this year.
The cornerstone of Assumption’s curriculum is a rigorous program of foundational and nursing courses coupled with clinical education in acute-care, community-based, and simulation environments that provide a comprehensive education to promote the health of individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Students who pursue a degree in nursing at Assumption are provided a strong liberal arts education that will allow for well-reasoned decision-making; engagement in critical thinking; effective communication; and the ability to make ethical decisions that respect the fundamental dignity of every human person.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth for Registered Nurses is anticipated to increase by 15 percent from 2016 to 2026. The increasing demand for well-trained and educated nurses is attributed to a number of factors cited by the BLS such as an increased emphasis on preventative care, growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, and demand for health care services from the over age 65 population as they live longer and have more active lives.
“The Assumption Bachelor of Science in Nursing program will prepare graduates to provide compassionate and effective professional nursing care to individuals, families, and communities in accordance with ethical healthcare practices,” said Provost Louise Carroll-Keeley, Ph.D. “Academic excellence, exemplary clinical skills, commitment to service, and principled leadership will be hallmarks of the program and its students. The curriculum features the traditional Catholic commitment to reverence for human life and the dignity of every human person. Graduates will advance health through excellence in nursing practice, teaching, and service.”
Assumption’s Nursing Program faculty will be committed to educating nurses with the skills to meet the diverse health needs and improve the health outcomes of their communities. The program will prepare generalists with an innovative and comprehensive curriculum that will enable them to thrive in a variety of settings, assisting individuals, families, and communities to attain, retain, or regain optimal health throughout their lifespans.
Students interested in the nursing profession are admitted to the Assumption BSN Program through direct admission. Additional requirements for admission into the BSN Program include a minimum SAT score of 550 on the Math and English component or ACT minimum composite score of 25; minimum GPA of 3.0 in high school science and math courses; and three years of high school science courses with one course having a lab component. In addition, Nursing applicants are required to submit an essay of intent to demonstrate interest in and plans for a successful career in nursing as defined by the additional question specific to Assumption on the Common Application.