Thought this was newsworthy: University of Phoenix's College of Nursing program reaches milestone


University of Phoenix's College of Nursing recently guided its first class of 17 students from the Hohokam campus in Phoenix through its new degree program, Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

To commemorate the occasion, a pinning ceremony is planned at 6 p.m. next Saturday at the school, 4605 E. Elwood, Phoenix.

The nursing pin is a century-old symbol of service, dating back to the founder of the modern nursing profession, Florence Nightingale. Each graduate has invited an influential faculty or family member to attach the pin to their lapel.

"The LPN to BSN graduation is significant because it comes at a time when many state universities are slashing nursing enrollment, laying off faculty, and reducing class sizes because of a drop in state funding," said Campus College Chair Janeen Dahn, for University of Phoenix. "At University of Phoenix, we are expanding the education options because this country faces a critical nursing shortage in addition to an increasing demand among health-care employers for nurses to have four-year degrees."

The role of an LPN is a technical nursing role. By completing the BSN degree program, these graduates will assume a professional nursing position with more supervisory responsibilities. They committed extensive hours to classroom study and rigorous clinical experience at hospitals Valley-wide. After commencement, the graduates will be registering to take the board exams and earn licensure as registered nurses.

University of Phoenix' nursing program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and has more than 11,000 students in various programs. Its campus and online offerings include bachelor's and master's degree programs and certificate programs in nursing and health-care education.

Information: phoenix.edu or call (480) 557-2000.