An upstate New York university is preparing to re-establish its nursing program by unveiling two new academic disciplines, according to The Buffalo News.
An accelerated bachelor’s degree and a four-year Bachelor of Science degree are the two programs returning since closing in 2002 at Niagara University. The New York State Education Department has issued approval for the program to fire up again as the school produces qualified candidates to fill nursing jobs.
“I got involved when it was announced that the program was closing,” 1959 alumnus Barbara Malinowski told the publication. “I was very disappointed – angry, like everyone else – and called the university to see what I could do to help. I have been involved ever since. We’ve had a tremendous response from our alumni and from a number of people who are delighted we are back in the nursing business.”
The restored programs aim to build on resources and supply students to fill nursing jobs, which are currently in high demand.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses are the biggest slice of the healthcare occupation pie, consisting of as much as 60 percent of hospital jobs.