The accreditation and approval process required to fully implement Michigan Technological University’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is complete.
The program, created to rehome Finlandia University’s nursing program after the institution’s closure in May, cleared the final hurdle: approval by Michigan Tech’s institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission.
The effort to establish the program and continue nursing education in the Copper Country received rapid and widespread support across the community, including Tech’s clinical partners in the region. Finlandia faculty, staff and students who made the transition to Tech for the fall 2023 semester have been warmly welcomed, said Andrew Storer, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
“We are delighted that all of the approvals for the nursing program are now in place,” Storer said. “I have enjoyed seeing our new nursing faculty get involved in the academic life of the University as they bring their perspectives to different committees and working groups that work to help keep Michigan Tech moving forward.”
Storer’s support — and the diligent work of faculty, staff and key members of Tech’s University Senate — was pivotal to ensuring a quick and successful transition. Storer noted that approvals from the Michigan Board of Nursing and the program’s professional accreditor were secured this past summer.
The nursing program is housed in the Department of Biological Sciences within Michigan Tech’s College of Sciences and Arts. Program Director Lori Sullivan also stressed the importance of the program’s continuation and MTU’s partnerships with local clinical partners and regional employers.
“As the only baccalaureate nursing program in the western Upper Peninsula, it was important to keep it in the community,” Sullivan said. “Rural communities struggle to attract nurses, especially during a nursing shortage. Educating nurses locally helps to combat that issue, leading to healthier communities.”
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