First BSN cohort at Baker College’s Jackson campus at capacity; program expands 2018-19 academic year

With the first cohort of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Baker College’s Jackson campus at capacity for the 2017 fall semester, the college is already looking forward to the 2018-19 academic year. This is when the number of students admitted to the pre-licensure BSN program each academic year will increase from 24 to 40.

After approving the Jackson campus for the 24-seat cohort to start 2017 fall semester, the Michigan Board of Nursing authorized an additional 16 seats that will be added as a separate spring semester cohort beginning January 2019.

Baker College of Jackson Nursing Program Director Debra Hadfield, MSN, RN, said the increase reflects well on the college’s program and is good for nursing and those interested in a nursing career.

“Baker College has a quality, well-rounded BSN program," she said. “The increased number of students in our program will help meet the urgent need for nurses.”

Hadfield said that demand for nurses in Michigan and across the country is being fueled by the large number of nurses who are reaching retirement age combined with increased need caused by an aging population, the rising incidence of chronic disease and hospitals preferring nurses who have earned a BSN.

Students pursuing nursing take 46 credit hours of prerequisite courses, which are about a year of academic work as a full-time student, then apply to the limited-enrollment, three-year professional, pre-licensure track.

This Baker College BSN program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency nursing programs.

Baker College is Michigan’s largest independent not-for-profit college, with 12 campus and extension sites across the state, as well as 100 percent online program options, across 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1911, Baker College represents a better way forward for more than 3,300 faculty and staff, 17,000 students and hundreds of thousands of alumni. For more information on Baker College, visit www.baker.edu or follow Baker College on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

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Baker JA Nursing Lab.jpeg — Baker College of Jackson’s simulated patient rooms incorporate technology to help prepare nursing students for the real-world work environment.