IU Columbus to offer part-time path to nursing degree

IU Columbus will be offering a nursing degree program tailored for part-time students, starting this fall.

According to the school, the program will offer the only in-person, part-time path to a bachelors degree in nursing in the state. The part time schedule includes summer classes, meaning the part time students will only graduate one semester later than full-time students. The nursing curriculum will take nine semesters, on top of general education classes and prerequisites

The new program will start this fall and is meant to provide flexibility for students who are working or have other responsibilities. Caroline Sims, Assistant Dean of Nursing at IU Columbus, said that there has been a high demand for such a program, both from students and healthcare partners who are seeing a shortage in nurses. Sims said medical employers typically provide tuition assistance and offer flexible scheduling for those in school. She said the part-time program will be both affordable and manageable for nursing students already working in healthcare.

IU Columbus offers a traditional nursing program, an accelerated nursing program for those who already have another degree, and a registered nurse to bachelors degree program and all three will be available with the new part-time option.

Applications for the IU Columbus Nursing program are open until April 1st. You can get more information and apply at columbus.iu.edu/nursing.

Photo courtesy of IU Columbus. IU Columbus Clinical Assistant Professor Meredith Stewart, at left, and accelerated nursing student Sophia Stahl are pictured in the on-campus healthcare simulation center.