SVSU initiative for registered nurses ranked among state's elite academic programs

A Saginaw Valley State University online academic program that empowers working nurses with a bachelor’s degree education was recognized as one of the best of its kind in the state. 

 

SVSU’s RN to BSN (shorthand for “registered nurses” and “Bachelor of Science in Nursing,” respectively) online program recently was ranked No. 2 in the state by RegisteredNursing.org in the category of Best Online RN to BSN Programs.

 

RegisteredNursing.org is a Carlsbad, California-based organization that provides resources for prospective nurses. To determine SVSU’s ranking, RegisteredNursing.org used data from multiple sources – including the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics – as part of its methodology. 

 

Karen Brown-Fackler, the chair of SVSU’s Department of Nursing and an associate professor of nursing, said she was honored to learn about the distinction ... even though she did not entirely agree with the placement. 

 

“We think we should be ranked No. 1,” Brown-Fackler said. “We offer some great advantages. We have online classes but accessible faculty teaching the classes. Students can start the program whatever semester is best for them and take classes at their own pace.” 

 

She said other highlights of the online RN to BSN program include an adviser that helps students with admission, scheduling and academic progression. 

 

Another element she said elevates the program: Its standout faculty. For instance, Sally Decker, a professor of nursing that helped design and establish the program, recently was honored with a lifetime achievement award from American Nurses Association-Michigan in part for her contributions to helping registered nurses earn bachelor's degrees in their professional field.

 

Brown-Fackler said the RN to BSN program offers empowering coursework. 

 

“There are only five core classes and the other courses are electives they choose from, which could be graduate courses toward future programs or interesting continuing education courses relevant to working nurses,” she said. 

 

SVSU President Donald Bachand said he was proud of the university's faculty and staff for building the program and developing some of the region’s top health care professionals.

 

“Especially in times such as these, this program’s excellence is critical to the public health of our region, state, nation and world," Bachand said.

 

For more information about SVSU's RN to BSN program, go to the following URL link: www.svsu.edu/nursing/programs/rntobsn/.