Greetings from the Dean of Nursing
It is a privilege to be able to welcome you to the Bethel College School of Nursing website. We know there are many nursing programs from which to choose, and appreciate the opportunity to share with you the Bethel difference. As a nursing student at Bethel, you will receive a high quality education within the context of a Christian environment. The holistic focus enables graduates to see those for whom they care as whole persons, with an awareness of the connectedness between body, mind, and soul.
The faculty approaches interactions with students in this same way, with a passion for helping students achieve academically, but also caring about each student as an individual. Theoretical preparation, varied teaching methodologies, and clinical experiences combine to prepare students to meet patients’ spiritual and cultural, as well as mental and physical, needs. Bethel graduates have demonstrated a high degree of success on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, which allows them to enter the profession of nursing and provide care to others locally and globally.
Bethel College offers three nursing degrees: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN), and Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN). The basic ADN program is for fulltime students, and may be completed in 2 years. Due to the intense nature of this program, many students find it helpful to take some required college courses prior to nursing courses. A one year option is available for the LPN wishing to complete the ADN.
The traditional BSN program is a 4 year curriculum. The BSN completion program is offered in an accelerated format to registered nurses who desire to complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing. The BSN completion program, with classes meeting only 1 night a week, is specially designed to allow students to continue to work while completing their degree.
Two MSN tracks are available: Nurse Educators and Nurse Administrators. Students completing the MSN in education are prepared for such roles as teaching in an academic setting, or developing educational programs for staff development or patient education within the practice setting. The administration track results in preparation for the assumption of administrative roles within the profession of nursing. MSN classes are offered 1 night a week on the Bethel College campus.
All nursing programs are available at the Bethel College campus. ADN and BSN completion programs are available at Grace College in Winona Lake, IN, and the BSN completion program is offered through Lakeland Health Care Systems in St. Joseph, MI.
Bethel College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and is a member of the North Central Association. The School of Nursing traditional BSN and ADN programs are accredited by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Indiana State Board of Nursing and all nursing programs at Bethel are accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission. Additional information regarding accreditation can be obtained from the NLNAC at 3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850 – Atlanta, GA 30326, or by calling 404.975.5000; faxing 404.975.5020; or through the website at www.nlnac.org.
We invite you to call our nursing admissions counselors for more information: Sharon Duerksen (574.807.7324) for Bethel campus programs, Kathryn Deak (574.807.7570) for off-campus programs; and Karon Schwartz (574.807.3382) or Jennifer Meert (574.807.7660) regarding the MSN program.
Sincerely,
Carol Dorough, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE
Dean – School of Nursing
