Rasmussen College Adds Professional Nursing Degree Programs At Two Minnesota Campuses

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (July 16, 2013) – In an effort to help meet the increasing demand for registered nurses (RNs) in Minnesota, the Rasmussen College School of Nursing announced today the expansion of its two-year Professional Nursing Associate’s Degree program at the Rasmussen College St. Cloud and Bloomington campuses. The campuses also now offer a Professional Nursing Associate’s Mobility Degree program, which provide licensed practical nurses (LPNs) a pathway to obtain a RN associate’s degree in as little as nine to 12 months. In addition to the associate’s degree RN programs, Rasmussen College also offers a RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN), which is delivered in a fully online format. Applications are being accepted immediately for all programs. Classes will begin October 2013.

“It is imperative we offer nursing programs that produce the caliber of nurses who can address the healthcare needs of our current and future population,” said Dr. Joan Rich, vice president of the Rasmussen College School of Nursing. “Rasmussen College offers a stellar academic suite of nursing programs that focus on the quality and safety aspects of care, as well as promotes the development of leadership skills within our nursing graduates. The addition of these nursing programs will generate the high-quality, professionally trained nurses necessary to meet the increasing care and organizational needs within our state.”

The expansion of the Professional Nursing Associate’s Degree programs is an example of Rasmussen College’s commitment to providing students with the proper foundation to enter and thrive in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national number of registered nurses is expected to grow 26 percent by 2020, faster than the national average for all other occupations. In St. Cloud, there have been nearly 180 job postings for RNs in the past six months. That number jumps to more than 2,000 openings in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

“Students completing Rasmussen College’s Professional Nursing Associate’s Degree program will enter the workforce in one of the fastest growing healthcare fields nationwide,” said Claire Walker, vice president of nursing operations at Rasmussen College. "Minnesota nurses completing our program can be confident they will leave with the skills needed for immediate employment in hospitals, physician offices, nursing care facilities and patient education sites.”

With an average classroom size of about 24 students, Professional Nursing students will get personal attention from expert nursing faculty who have real-world nursing experience. Students will also receive hands-on learning in a clinical environment and are prepared to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) needed to become a RN upon graduation.

The community is invited to learn more about the Professional Nursing Associate’s and Professional Nursing Associate’s Mobility Degree programs while touring the College’s nursing simulation lab during an open house at the Bloomington campus on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Students interested in applying are encouraged to attend a nursing information session at the St. Cloud or Bloomington campuses. Contact either campus for details or visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/nursing-session-form/.