In the rise of nursing shortages, Washburn Tech creates new nursing program
Washburn University Institute of Technology is getting a new program this coming spring.
The Washburn University Board of Regents unanimously approved the creation of the associate of applied science degree in nursing during its June meeting.
This is to make a "seamless transition for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to bridge to professional nursing (RN) practice."
What is an applied science degree in nursing?
The program teaches students the "art and science of nursing" and prepares them to give effective care to a diverse population with physiologic and psychological integrity.
Washburn Tech will need approval from the Kansas State Board of Nursing and accreditation from the Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing. When approved, the program will enroll the first class of students in January 2025 and core nursing courses will begin in August 2025.
The program has 65 credit hours and includes a licensed practical nurse completion and licensure. After completion, students will be eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam.
How much will the new program cost Washburn Tech?
The initial startup cost for the program is $66,750. The annual rate for the program will be $103,926, which will be paid in the normal operating budget, according to meeting documents.
In addition, Pinegar & Smith, a Topeka public relations company, will also bill for any "reasonable" out-of-pocket expenses incurred including postage, shipping, printing and photocopies, entertainment, lobbyist registration fees and out-of-town travel and lodging. These expenses are typically $7,000 to $10,000 annually and funding for their services already exists.
Why did Washburn Tech add another nursing program?
Provost and vice president of academic affairs John Fritch said during his presentation to WUBOR that graduates of the Washburn Tech practical nursing program consistently ask for an associate degree RN program.
He also said this program is an opportunity to address the nursing shortage happening in the community. There have been nursing shortages across the country for several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 193,000 annual openings for registered nurses through 2032. As of now, practical nursing graduates have to travel outside Shawnee County for their ADN, Fritch said.
"Nationally, we know that there is a need for more than 19,000 nurses right now and while this program will not provide 19,000 nurses, it will help build something within Topeka and in Kansas," Fritch said.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Washburn Tech gets a new program to address nursing shortages
