Nursing students at the University of Michigan-Flint pose in the state-of-the-art simulation lab. The nursing program will expand almost 50 percent in January. Courtesy photo
FLINT, Michigan—The University of Michigan-Flint’s largest degree program just got bigger.
The Michigan Board of Nursing will allow UM-Flint to expand its nursing program by almost 50 percent—now accepting 176 students starting in January 2018.
UM-Flint offers both a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an accelerated degree program—and there’s always a waiting list.
“Both of these programs are in high demand, with more than 350 pre-nursing majors seeking admission to one of the coveted seats in these programs,” said Megan Keiser, interim director of Undergraduate Nursing Affairs at UM-Flint.
Even before the expansion, nursing is the largest degree program at UM-Flint, accounting for 23 percent of the university’s 1,265 undergraduate degrees last year.
Interim Dean Margaret Andrews said the additional nursing students and faculty will benefit the local community and local economy. UM-Flint nursing is a volunteer force in the community, contributing 100,000 volunteer hours in the wake of the Flint water crisis by checking blood lead levels, working at water distribution sites, and providing health screenings.
“Our students are incredibly generous with their time, and this program expansion will increase the number of nursing students available to respond to the needs of our community,” Keiser said.
UM-Flint’s School of Nursing was established last year. Previously it was a program within the School of Health Professions and Studies. It offers a bachelor, master, and doctoral level studies.
For more information about UM-Flint’s School of Nursing, visit https://www.umflint.edu/nursing.
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