Taylor University’s rising nursing program is still undergoing approval processes before its tentative launch in Fall 2024. The university is unable to announce an official start date until appropriate steps are taken with the Indiana State Board of Nursing, Provost Jewerl Maxwell, said.
The curriculum will first need to go through the university approval process before being accepted by the State Board. Afterward, prospective students will be able to officially begin their Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Dean of Nursing Karen Elsea said the university is still developing the content and framework for the major.
The new major will be housed in the Nussbaum Science Center — the building is currently being renovated to properly accommodate it.
The university will phase out the Nursing 3+1 Program once approval for the nursing program is completed.
Current students in the Nursing 3+1 Program — a dual degree program between Taylor and Indiana Wesleyan University — will be allowed to continue with their degree. Depending on a student’s progress some will be able to switch into the new major, Elsea said.
Once the nursing program is approved, it will need to be accredited at both a state and national level. This process ensures a consistent quality of education and that the adequate resources, appropriate course content and necessary facilities are available.
Parkview Health partnered with Taylor University to provide financial support and additional locations for clinical placement — both necessary aspects of the program.
“Their support is really key to the ability for us to move forward,” Elsea said.
Matt Renfrow, co-chair of kinesiology and associate dean for health sciences, is serving as the interim dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences. He said that nursing is the number one requested major by prospective students that the school does not have.
Taylor University has a historic excellence in health sciences, Renfrow said, and he is excited to see the nursing program progress forward.
“I've been here since 2010,” he said. “I've probably heard of or been a part of the ‘School of Nursing’ conversation at least three or four times.”
Elsea is looking forward to seeing faith integration in the classroom and to prepare quality nurses who can serve.
The program’s academic standards, drive for servant leadership and partnership with Parkview are all aspects that set it apart from other programs, Maxwell said. Potential overseas opportunities for those in the nursing program are something that is also being explored.
“When we think about serving others and being the hands and feet of Christ, a career in Nursing provides such an incredible opportunity for graduates,” he said. “I believe this program will help Taylor live out our mission of developing servant-leaders marked with a passion to minister Christ's redemptive love, grace and truth to a world in need.”
