WSU now offering master's in nursing

To an already successful nursing program, Weber State University is adding a master of science degree in nursing.

The addition not only means to help address the current shortage of nurses coming out of Utah's schools, but increase the number of nurses qualified to educate, said Catherine Earl, head of WSU's nursing department.

"One challenge that is complicating the nursing situation (in Utah) is the shortage of faculty at nursing schools," she said.

Due to increased demand, as well as the number of nurses who plan to retire in the next few years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2020, there will be more than a million open nursing positions. Weber's program plans to address that need by providing a choice between nursing education and nursing administration within the new master's program.

The new degree will require students to complete 36 credit hours, with 80 percent of the course work to be done online. It is expected that the degree will take four semesters to complete. An optional fifth semester is available to help prepare students who may be interested in working toward a doctor of nursing practice degree.

Twenty students are expected to begin the program in January, and applications are currently being accepted.

"Weber State's nursing program has a long history of meeting the health-care needs of this region," said Shelley Conroy, dean of the Dumke College of Health Professions at Weber. "Offering a master's degree in nursing is the latest example of how our college strives to ensure that this community receives outstanding health care and treatment."

WSU's nursing program has been turning out qualified professionals since 1953, when the starting class had only 36 students. More than 7,000 men and women have completed the program during the 50-plus years it has been operating.

Through Weber's program, students can earn a certificate as a practical nurse or an associate's degree as a registered nurse, a bachelor's degree completion program for registered nurses, as well as the new master's degree. Many of its programs are available through various outreach efforts in many communities across the state.

The Utah State Board of Regents approved the new degree for WSU earlier this month.

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