Rasmussen College Receives Wisconsin Board of Nursing Approval; Adds Degree Options To Meet Increasing Demand for Highly-Trained Nurses

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Oct 21, 2013, 11:55 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help meet the increasing demand for registered nurses (RNs) in Wisconsin, Rasmussen College has been granted approval to offer their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in WI. The College also has launched the Mobility Bridge Transfer option for LPNs. With these additions, Rasmussen offers an academic program for students to easily advance from an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) to an RN (Associate's Degree in Nursing) to a BSN (Bachelor's of Science degree). The RN to BSN degree is online and offered throughout the state of Wisconsin while both the Professional Nursing Associate's Degree and the Mobility Bridge Transfer option are available at the Wausau and Green Bay campuses.

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Advancing from LPN to RN

Developed for current LPNs, the Professional Nursing Associate's Mobility Bridge Transfer Option provides a pathway to obtain an RN associate's degree in as little as 12 to 18 months. LPN students can transfer credits from previous academic and work experience, allowing them to more efficiently advance from one degree to the next.

Progressing from RN to BSN

Developed for current registered nurses, the fully online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed to be completed in as little as 12 months. The curriculum includes Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies that focus on patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and safety and informatics.

The expansion of the nursing degree programs is an example of Rasmussen College's commitment to providing students with the proper foundation to enter and thrive in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of registered nurses needed in Wisconsin is expected to grow 24 percent by 2020, with an estimated 2,420 job openings for registered nurses in Wisconsin annually.

"It is imperative we offer nursing programs that produce the caliber of nurses who can address the healthcare needs of our current and future population," said Dr. Joan Rich, vice president of the Rasmussen College School of Nursing. "Adding the BSN option into the state of WI will allow Rasmussen College to enhance and educate current ADN nurses to meet the increasing complexity of care and leadership needs in Wisconsin."

Students interested in applying are encouraged to attend a nursing information session at the Green Bay or Wausau campuses or visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/nursing-session-form/.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:

Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college specializing in high-demand educational programs in a supportive, student-centered environment. Rasmussen College offers Certificate and Diploma programs through Associate's and Bachelor's degrees online and across its 24 Midwest and Florida campuses. By combining career development expertise, high academic standards and exceptional student support services, Rasmussen College graduates gain the skills to succeed in their chosen field. Since 1900, Rasmussen College has been dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.Rasmussen.edu.