Rasmussen University Expands Nursing Program Access to St. Cloud Campus
Rasmussen University has officially unfolded its plans to extend the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program to its St. Cloud campus, with classes set to commence in January 2026. This expansion is a significant step towards providing aspiring nurses in Central Minnesota and the surrounding rural areas with easier access to quality nursing education.
The newly introduced BSN program not only holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) but also aims to address the increasing demand for registered nurses equipped with bachelor's degrees in Minnesota. The healthcare systems in both urban and rural settings are currently grappling with a shortage of qualified nursing professionals, a dilemma that this program hopes to mitigate.
Mark Arnold, president of Rasmussen University, emphasized the institution's commitment to serving diverse communities across Minnesota with this expansion. "Our new BSN offering improves access for local students who may face barriers in pursuing higher educational opportunities nearby. It also addresses the urgent needs of rural hospitals and clinics seeking more qualified registered nurses," Arnold stated.
According to projections released by the Bureau of Health Workforce, nonmetro areas in Minnesota anticipate a faster increase in registered nurse shortages compared to metro areas over the next decade. This is illustrated by forecasts indicating a 24% shortage in rural regions by 2027, compared to only a 7% shortage in urban settings.
Rasmussen University has noted a trend among its nursing graduates opting to continue their careers within the communities where they were trained, thus enhancing local healthcare access and workforce stability. Arnold further explained, "The expansion to St. Cloud is about sustaining that tradition and is a response to a clear need for nursing professionals in the region."
This marks the third recent expansion of Rasmussen's Bloomington BSN program, having previously been introduced at the Eagan campus in Fall 2023 and the Hennepin/Anoka campus in Spring 2024. The university now offers multiple pathways for students based on their existing qualifications, providing a variety of entry tracks into the BSN program:
1. BSN Standard Degree: Designed for students looking to pursue nursing careers from scratch, preparing them for a bachelor’s-prepared nursing role.
2. Accelerated BSN Second Degree: Aimed at individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to transition into nursing. This path can be completed in as little as 18 months.
3. RN to BSN: Tailored for current registered nurses with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) seeking to further their education and credentials.
Students currently enrolled in Rasmussen's BSN program in Minnesota boast an impressive 90.7% passage rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in 2024, showcasing the effectiveness of the training they receive. Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, provost at Rasmussen University, highlighted the program's focus on hands-on learning and evidence-based practices that equip students for the complexities of the healthcare field.
As a significant educational institution in Minnesota for the past 125 years, and with nearly three decades in the St. Cloud area, this expansion aligns perfectly with the university's mission. It not only honors its long-standing commitment to transforming lives through quality education but also meets the pressing healthcare needs of the local communities.
For those interested in learning more about the Rasmussen University St. Cloud campus, you can visit their official website or for specific details regarding their BSN program, further information is also readily available online.
In summary, this expansion of the BSN program to St. Cloud stands as a testament to Rasmussen University’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and addressing the healthcare challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in Minnesota. The ongoing commitment to preparing skilled nursing professionals is crucial to improving healthcare access across the state, particularly in areas where it's needed the most.
The newly introduced BSN program not only holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) but also aims to address the increasing demand for registered nurses equipped with bachelor's degrees in Minnesota. The healthcare systems in both urban and rural settings are currently grappling with a shortage of qualified nursing professionals, a dilemma that this program hopes to mitigate.
Mark Arnold, president of Rasmussen University, emphasized the institution's commitment to serving diverse communities across Minnesota with this expansion. "Our new BSN offering improves access for local students who may face barriers in pursuing higher educational opportunities nearby. It also addresses the urgent needs of rural hospitals and clinics seeking more qualified registered nurses," Arnold stated.
According to projections released by the Bureau of Health Workforce, nonmetro areas in Minnesota anticipate a faster increase in registered nurse shortages compared to metro areas over the next decade. This is illustrated by forecasts indicating a 24% shortage in rural regions by 2027, compared to only a 7% shortage in urban settings.
Rasmussen University has noted a trend among its nursing graduates opting to continue their careers within the communities where they were trained, thus enhancing local healthcare access and workforce stability. Arnold further explained, "The expansion to St. Cloud is about sustaining that tradition and is a response to a clear need for nursing professionals in the region."
This marks the third recent expansion of Rasmussen's Bloomington BSN program, having previously been introduced at the Eagan campus in Fall 2023 and the Hennepin/Anoka campus in Spring 2024. The university now offers multiple pathways for students based on their existing qualifications, providing a variety of entry tracks into the BSN program:
1. BSN Standard Degree: Designed for students looking to pursue nursing careers from scratch, preparing them for a bachelor’s-prepared nursing role.
2. Accelerated BSN Second Degree: Aimed at individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to transition into nursing. This path can be completed in as little as 18 months.
3. RN to BSN: Tailored for current registered nurses with an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) seeking to further their education and credentials.
Students currently enrolled in Rasmussen's BSN program in Minnesota boast an impressive 90.7% passage rate on the NCLEX-RN exam in 2024, showcasing the effectiveness of the training they receive. Dr. Carrie Daninhirsch, provost at Rasmussen University, highlighted the program's focus on hands-on learning and evidence-based practices that equip students for the complexities of the healthcare field.
As a significant educational institution in Minnesota for the past 125 years, and with nearly three decades in the St. Cloud area, this expansion aligns perfectly with the university's mission. It not only honors its long-standing commitment to transforming lives through quality education but also meets the pressing healthcare needs of the local communities.
For those interested in learning more about the Rasmussen University St. Cloud campus, you can visit their official website or for specific details regarding their BSN program, further information is also readily available online.
In summary, this expansion of the BSN program to St. Cloud stands as a testament to Rasmussen University’s dedication to fostering educational opportunities and addressing the healthcare challenges faced by rural and underserved communities in Minnesota. The ongoing commitment to preparing skilled nursing professionals is crucial to improving healthcare access across the state, particularly in areas where it's needed the most.
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