Photo courtesy of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s ongoing expansion in healthcare-related academic offerings—including its proposed new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, starting fall 2021—stems from market research and an identified need in the workforce.
“We know with the changing demographics and aging of the workforce, there’s continued need for nurses and nurse anesthetists, particularly in rural areas,” says Todd Reinhart, Sc.D., dean of Sciences and Health Professions. “And we also know that we’re going to continue to need educated policy and prevention personnel. One of the biggest examples of this we are seeing today is with COVID-19.”
Alex Funk, a 2020 graduate of Saint Mary’s Nurse Anesthesia program, agrees. “It has become even more apparent that frontline health workers are vital, especially nurses,” he says. “We need more well-trained nurses to help during the pandemic and in the future with the trends we are seeing. I think Saint Mary’s does an outstanding job of providing well-prepared healthcare professionals for these challenges.”
With its forward-thinking and constantly adapting programming, Saint Mary’s is garnering a reputation for being a leading force in meeting growing needs in the healthcare sector—and for helping students advance their careers.
Photo courtesy of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Fresh amenities and leadership
This fall, university’s first B.S. in Nursing students will learn in newly renovated facilities on the Winona Campus—including a dedicated nursing suite with a large clinical skills lab, and a high fidelity nursing simulation center. Students will also benefit from invaluable practical exposure through clinical placements their junior and senior years, thanks to partnerships with renowned healthcare providers in both small and rural, and larger urban settings.
Saint Mary’s has recently announced Sister Agnes Mary Graves, RSM, director and inaugural Jack and Mary Ann Remick Chair of Nursing, will lead the B.S. in Nursing program and will also be responsible for the university’s RN to BSN online program.
“Sister Agnes Mary is the right leader at the right time for Saint Mary’s as we grow our nursing program and focus on a vision for the future in Catholic healthcare offerings at Saint Mary’s,” says Saint Mary’s president Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. “She will not only make sure our nursing students are well prepared; she will also ensure they are nurtured and leave Saint Mary’s to become servant leaders with strong ethical and Catholic foundations. The combination of deep skills preparation and development of character and virtue that we uniquely provide will result in the best clinical and personal attention possible in healthcare today.”
Learn more about how Saint Mary’s can help you shape your future in nursing.*
*The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and Saint Mary’s is seeking approval by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
