March 1- 3, 2006

ITEM 130-2852-R0306     -     Authorization to convert an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Practical Nursing to a Certificate of Practical Nursing; Montana State University-Great Falls, College of Technology

 

THAT:      The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Montana State University- Great Falls College of Technology to convert its existing AAS degree in Practical Nursing to a Certificate of Practical Nursing.

 

EXPLANATION:    Montana State University - Great Falls seeks approval from the Montana Board of Regents to convert its existing AAS degree in Practical Nursing to a Certificate of Practical Nursing in order to bring its program into conformity with the common curriculum for two-year nursing programs recently adopted by the Office of the Commissioner for Higher Education.  MSU-Great Falls has offered an AAS Degree in nursing for 11 years, graduating an average of 16 students a year.  For the last 12 years our students have maintained a 100% pass rate on the Licensed Practical Nurse exam, with all but two students in that time period passing the exam on their first attempt.   Licensed practical nurse employment in the Great Falls area will continue to increase in response to long-term care needs of an increasing elderly population and the expansion of health care facilities such as the new Sletten Cancer Institute in Great Falls. Conversion to a Certificate program will allow MSU-Great Falls to remain in conformity with state-wide academic standards and to continue to serve the medical needs of our community.