Mount Union adds master's degree in nursing

University of Mount Union has added a master’s degree program to its course offerings.

Mount Union’s Board of Trustees have approved the program, a master of science in nursing, and it is pending its approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

The Mount Union MSN degree offers a concentration in family nurse practitioner, a 46-credit-hour program that can be completed in as few as two years. The college said the program ensures the opportunities for nurses seeking to advance their careers are accelerated and bridge the current primary care practice gap.

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a need for more than 30,000 new advance practice registered nurses each year through 2031, Mount Union’s MSN program will help meet the surging workforce demand.

“We are excited to announce the launch of our new graduate nursing program. This program represents our commitment to healthcare education and the advancement of opportunities in nursing practice,” said Dr. Betty Allen, associate professor and director of the Department of Nursing at Mount Union. “We look forward to empowering nurses with the knowledge and skills they need to make a positive impact to serve patients and communities.

Mount Union is one of only 17 programs across the country to pair an emergency nurse practitioner certification with its MSN degree program. The certification enhances nurses' skillsets and opens the door for more career opportunities. Those who have previously earned an FNP can also earn this certification as a standalone offering.

Mount Union’s nursing program also offers a second-degree accelerated bachelor of science in nursing and a three-year accelerated nursing program for first-time college students.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Mount Union adds master's degree in nursing