UW-Green Bay offers nursing courses in ‘Northwoods’

A bachelor’s degree in nursing may not be as far away as some people think.

The Professional Program in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers students in Marinette and Rhinelander the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in the comfort of their own home and their own community.

The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program includes a combination of in-person and online courses. Typically, one core nursing course is offered face-to-face each semester in Marinette and Rhinelander. The courses meet at UW-Marinette and Nicolet College. The rest of the courses may be taken as a mix of face-to-face and online formats.

Susan Gallagher-Lepak, interim chair of the Professional Program in Nursing at UW-Green Bay, says faculty members are proud to be able to prepare nurses in Marinette and Rhinelander areas for the complexities of healthcare in the 21st century.

“Higher levels of nursing education are linked to lower patient mortality, fewer errors, and greater job satisfaction,” Gallagher-Lepak said. “Increasing the number of BSN-prepared nurses will positively impact the quality of healthcare in our future.”

Derryl Block, the interim dean of Professional and Graduate Studies at UW-Green Bay, says the more flexible options allow students to earn a degree without compromising other priorities.

“The extension of our nursing program to these locations extends access for registered nurses to our quality program, and helps contribute to the quality of nursing care in these areas,” Block said.

Students in the program say it has enhanced their skills.

“It has made me think more critically in my practice and expanded my knowledge,” said Vallery Krah, a student from Marinette. “I feel I am a more rounded nurse.”

Students also say the flexibility of the program makes it cost-effective and convenient.

“There’s no travel and I can still take classes in a classroom setting,” said student Carrie Rupert.

Melissa Chmela said the program offers the “ability to balance family, career and education” while still being close to home.

The program, which is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, is geared toward working adults. Full-time and part-time options are available. Coursework is typically completed in two to four years.

For more information or to register, call (920) 465-2826 or toll free (888) 674-8942 or e-mail nursing@uwgb.edu or visit www.uwgb.edu/nursing.

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