Why is Hesston adding a B.S.N. program?

A 2010 report from the Institute of Medicine set a national goal that 80 percent of the nursing workforce would have a BSN by 2020. The nursing industry is doing its best to meet this goal, which means the health care industry is changing. The breadth of knowledge that nurses need is evolving, with increased emphasis on preventative medicine, home care and community in the current health care system. Placement options for clinical training are being limited for some associate degree (ADN) programs at a number of major medical centers. In short – the BSN program will allow Hesston to continue providing nursing students with exceptional clinical learning opportunities and continue producing highly prepared and employable graduates.

Does this mean the A.D.N. program will fall by the wayside?

No. Hesston will continue to offer an associate degree in nursing in conjunction with the BSN to provide a range of options for students who may still prefer that path. The college is also planning to add an RN-to-BSN track for nurses who have their ADN and want to take the next step to BSN The RN-to-BSN program’s tentative launch date is the fall of 2016 or 2017.

When will the B.S.N. program be accredited by a nursing accreditation body?

The Kansas State Board of Nursing approved Hesston’s BSN program at the end of March, allowing graduates to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs). Hesston initiated the specialized nursing accreditation review process in spring 2015 by requesting applicant status with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The nursing faculty and staff will write a CCNE self-study report and proceed toward full accreditation status during the 2016-17 academic year. CCNE accreditation decisions are retroactive to the first day of the program’s CCNE on-site evaluation.

How does this addition change enrollment in the Nursing program and in the college in general?

For several years, the nursing program has had a maximum of 56 students per class based on clinical spaces, for a total of 112 total clinical spots spread over two years. The KSBN has kept the college’s maximum per class at 56 clinical spots to be shared between students pursuing both ADN and BSN degrees. The breakdown between ADN students and BSN students will likely vary from year to year based on the track students choose to pursue. The college will continue to admit the most highly qualified students, regardless of whether they choose to pursue an ADN or BSN. The addition of two years at Hesston for students pursuing the BSN may increase enrollment, though the increase could fluctuate from year to year.

What’s the difference between the two program tracks?

BSN students will take 27 additional credit hours in liberal arts and sciences before beginning nursing coursework. In addition, they will enroll in 30 credit hours of newly developed nursing courses above the 56 hours required for the ADN.

Are the current facilities sufficient to accomodate the additional nursing students?

The college recognizes that an expanded program requires more space. The college is currently evaluating the needs program growth demands and exploring options to adequately meet those needs.

Where will third- and fourth-year nursing students live?

Student Development and Facilities staff are working on specific policies and details for housing arrangements that will be communicated as they are finalized. The college will also evaluate and expand meal plan options to suit the needs of third- and fourth-year nursing students.

Is the college considering other four-year degree options?

The college is paying attention to shifting employer demands in specific areas to see what potential may exist for adding other bachelor’s degree programs. At this point, the college considers itself a two-year college that offers a four-year degree.

Did Hesston consider partnering with Bethel College (North Newton) or Tabor College (Hillsboro) to offer the B.S.N.?

Yes. However, an academic partnership beyond existing articulation agreements did not offer a mutually beneficial option. Tabor College only offers an RN-to-BSN program, which some Hesston alumni already choose to pursue. After conversations with faculty and administrators at Bethel College, it became clear the best option for partnership would be to maintain distinct curricula and expand other options for collaboration, including cosponsoring nursing career fairs and seminars.

How long has Hesston been educating nurses?

Hesston’s A.D.N. program started in 1966. More than 1,600 individuals have graduated from the nursing program in the last 47 years, with 98 percent of graduates passing the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) for RNs and becoming registered nurses.

Is this the first time Hesston has offered a bachelor’s degree?

Hesston College offered a bachelor of religious education degree from 1949 to 1957.

Previous pages: Taylor Schrag ’15 (Moundridge, Kan.) recieves her nursing pin from faculty member Gregg Schroeder ’86 during Nursing Pinning May 10.
Left: Dra Aguilar ’16 (Wichita, Kan.) listens to a child’s heartbeat at the Hesston Intergenerational Child Development Center.
Top right: Greg Nolt ’13 (Partridge, Kan.) takes notes during a class lecture.
Bottom right: Former nursing students practice on a simulated patient in the on-campus Newton Medical Center nursing simulation lab.