OWENSBORO, Ky. – Students who excel in pre-nursing courses at two Owensboro colleges will have an opportunity for guaranteed admission to the University of Louisville’s traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program taught in Owensboro.
Each academic year, UofL will guarantee two spaces for Brescia University students and two spaces for Kentucky Wesleyan College students. Faculty at these institutions will make the decision on who receives the seats.
“This agreement provides a stronger link between the UofL School of Nursing and these institutions,” said Elizabeth G. Johnson, R.N., Ph.D., director, UofL Owensboro Campus. “Both Brescia and Kentucky Wesleyan attract students from across our region that have great potential to contribute to our community. We look for this agreement to assist us in attracting and retaining quality professionals for the health care work force in the area.”
Prior to receiving guaranteed admission, the selected students must meet specific criteria, including a minimum overall grade point average of 3.1 at the time of the application deadline to upper division, and a ‘C’ or better in pathophysiology and pharmacology.
“Brescia University has a long history of educating health care professionals,” said Father Larry Hostetter, Brescia University President. “The UofL nursing program is outstanding and we are proud to be associated with it. These guaranteed spots also highlight the hard work of our faculty in producing pre-nursing graduates that are prepared for such a rigorous and effective program of study.”
“At Kentucky Wesleyan, we are committed to relationships with the private and public sectors,” said Kentucky Wesleyan President Barton D. Darrell. “Our sciences are at the highest caliber in both instruction and facilities, and this agreement with UofL provides new opportunities for nursing education at Kentucky Wesleyan, adding to our already successful pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, pre-physician assistant and pre-physical therapy programs.”
The UofL-Owensboro BSN Program began as a partnership between the University of Louisville and Owensboro Health in 2008, providing students in the Western Kentucky area the opportunity to earn a BSN in a traditional format without traveling to Louisville. Students complete general education courses and other nursing pre-requisites at a community college or other regionally accredited institution, and then begin nursing courses at the University of Louisville Owensboro campus. Students also complete clinical rotations in Owensboro and the surrounding area.
“UofL’s curriculum is aligned with our focus on continuous improvement and health care quality,” said Vicki Stogsdill, Owensboro Health chief nursing officer. “Retaining highly-qualified nurses in Owensboro supports the goals of Owensboro Health.”
The Spring 2016 semester is the first time Brescia and Kentucky Wesleyan students can enter the UofL nursing program through guaranteed entrance.