July 11-12, 2002

 

ITEM 116-1503B-R0702�����������   Approval of Proposal to Offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Degree; Montana Tech of The University of Montana

 

THAT:�������������������������������������� The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana Tech of The University of Montana to convert its current Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) �bridge program� to a traditional 72-credit ASN model and offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program at Montana Tech.

 

EXPLANATION:�����������             In July 1999, the Board of Regents approved Montana Tech of The University of Montana to offer an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree �bridge program� (bridging the ASN program with an Associate of Applied Science Practical Nurse degree program approved at the same time). �The original proposal included a provision for evaluation of the program after three years.� The evaluation has led to the recognition that the vast majority of students entering Montana Tech to pursue nursing education desire registered nursing education rather than practical nursing education.� The evaluation also revealed that these students desire Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) education.� Currently, Montana Tech nursing students must complete two years of practical nursing education, earning an Associate of Applied Science in Practical Nursing (AAS-PN) degree, then pass the national licensure exam for practical nursing in order to be eligible for admission to the ASN degree program.� This proposal will bring Montana Tech�s nursing education programs in line with its students� desires by allowing direct access to RN education and offering regional access to a BSN completion program.

 

The completed signature page resides on file at the President�s Office, The University of Montana-Missoula.