An online nursing bachelor’s degree completion program offered through a collaboration among six University of Wisconsin System universities including UW-Stevens Point has been honored by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association.
BSN@Home was recently recognized with the 2016 Celebration of Excellence Award for a Mature Program, which honors sustained innovation. Launched in 1996, the program has granted more than 1,800 nurses their bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN).
“BSN@Home provides students within the UW System and here at UW-Stevens Point more flexibility in how they complete their BSN,” said Sharon Frazier, senior lecturer of nursing in the School of Health Care Professions at UW-Stevens Point. “Students within the UW-Stevens Point BSN nursing completion program have the option to take courses on campus, online through BSN@Home or participate in a combination of both approaches.”
The program addresses a shortage of BSN-prepared nurses as predicted by the Wisconsin Center for Nursing. In 2011, the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80 percent of the nursing workforce have a bachelor’s degree by 2020. This recommendation is based on evidence showing improved outcomes for patients cared for by nurses with higher education levels.
For more information about the BSN@Home program at UW-Stevens Point, go to www.uwsp.edu/nursing.