Saint Leo University Announces New Nursing Program
Press release from Saint Leo University:
Dec. 1, 2020
Saint Leo University is launching a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program beginning Fall Semester 2021 at its University Campus, north of Tampa. This program is designed to prepare students for generalist nursing practice within complex health care systems.
“We are thrilled to be adding the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to our College of Health Professions. This is a contemporary and competitive program that will incorporate best practices and current innovation to prepare our graduates for future career opportunities throughout Florida and throughout the United States,” said Saint Leo University President Jeffrey D. Senese. “There is a growing demand for nurses across the country, and Saint Leo is well-positioned to help meet this need.”
The limited-access program will be accepting new students into pre-nursing coursework in arts and sciences during the first two years, including courses in anatomy, microbiology, math, writing, ethics, and psychology. Students will then apply to the nursing program during their sophomore year to begin the nursing-major courses in year three. The application process is competitive and limited spaces are available for the BSN program. This program format will allow for potential transfer students and second-degree students who may want to pursue their BSN degree in a shorter time-frame to consider Saint Leo.
There is a growing need for nurses in the coming years as a result of the rapidly aging U.S. population and a simultaneous number of nurses retiring. The global pandemic continues to support this urgent need for licensed nurses in the field as the health care system undergoes a major transformation in structure and groundbreaking technology advances.
“We are excited to offer future professionals a strong curriculum that is also unusual in having a contemporary focus on holistic wellness for all people—meaning individual patients, families, and communities—and an emphasis on the well-being of the nurse,” said Dr. Mary Spoto, vice president for Academic Affairs. “Teaching future nurses to cultivate their own well-being is a good way to reduce turnover in the profession, and that serves everyone in society,” Spoto explained.
Upper-level nursing courses will commence in Fall Semester 2023 and the university anticipates having 48 spots for students in the first group admitted. Students will participate in theory, simulation, lab, and clinical experiences at a variety of health care and community agencies including West Florida Advent Health and others. The program will prepare graduates who can provide safe, quality care with an emphasis on wellness. The first group will complete their studies in Spring Semester 2025.
Upon successful completion of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), graduates are able to work as registered nurses. “Nurses who have a BSN are favored regionally and nationally by health care employers and are well-positioned for career