Simpson University Announces New Bachelor of Science in Nursing Starting January 2007

REDDING, Calif. - Beginning in January 2007, Simpson University will offer an educational opportunity for registered nurses to continue their professional development. The new major, which is offered through ASPIRE, Simpson's accelerated degree-completion program, is designed specifically for registered nurses to obtain their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Simpson University will launch the BSN degree in response to a shortage of qualified nurses and the increased demand for well qualified nursing professionals in northern California.  The recently developed partnerships with Mercy Medical Center and Shasta Regional Medical Center will be valuable in the development and operation of the program.

"We are pleased to be a part of this opportunity to provide more advanced training to local registered nurses.  The RN to BSN program will help improve the economic base in our community by allowing us to hire locally rather than hiring out of the area and will strengthen and expand the quality of care we provide.  We are delighted to be partnered with Simpson University in this endeavor which will bring great benefit to the region," said Rick Barnett, President of Mercy Medical Center.

The 16-month program is intended to provide further career opportunities for registered nurses and allow graduates to qualify for many jobs in the rapidly expanding nursing field.  The 36-unit curriculum will also provide a foundation for graduate studies in nursing.

Thomas Salerno, Chief Executive Officer of Shasta Regional Medical Center said, "We are very excited about this new program which will offer an additional opportunity for nurses to complete their education. Nurses are much needed in this community and we look forward to supporting this program to further our commitment to education and bringing new nurses to the north state."

The new BSN major will complement the existing RN program provided through Shasta College.

Shasta College Superintendent/President, Gary Lewis said, "There is a tremendous nursing shortage in the north state.  Shasta College is pleased to welcome Simpson University as a partner in meeting those needs."
 
The new major will include classes in areas such as leadership/management in nursing, economics in healthcare, and family and community health nursing.

Simpson University's President, Dr. Larry J. McKinney said, "Simpson University is excited to join forces with the medical community of the north state to enhance the opportunity for registered nurses to further their education without leaving the area.  Simpson University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing provides registered nurses with a strong curriculum base that will prepare them for advancement in nursing and leadership positions."

Simpson University is now accepting applications for the RN to BSN program.

Contact: Wendy Rose
wrose@simpsonuniversity.edu
(530) 226-4126