Just an FYI, if you are interested: Nursing program added - MassLive.com

Westfield State College is adding a four-year nursing degree program and expects to enroll its first students for the semester that begins in September.

In the planning for more than a year, college officials announced the start of the bachelor of science in nursing degree program Thursday.

"We are now accepting applications for admission to the program," said Robert A. Hayes, vice president for academic affairs.

"The nursing shortage is a national and statewide health care issue.

Westfield is responding to the shortage by its development of a baccalaureate-level nursing program in Western Massachusetts," said Jacquelyn Jordan, a registered nurse and chairperson of the Department of Nursing & Allied Health at WSC.

Jordan said the admissions process will be competitive with strong emphasis on math and science. Course work will combine lectures and exercises with clinical work done in partnership with Noble Hospital.

"Our graduates will be eligible to apply for licensure as registered nurses and will have a diversity of employment opportunities," she said.

The program's first graduates are expected by the spring of 2014. The initial target enrollment is 30 to 32 students, according to Hayes. "We are assured we can educate that number of students and then provide suitable clinical placement," he said.

Admission standards and requirements are available for review by prospective students online at Westfield State College

Also, the college will host a public information session on the program Saturday at 10 a.m. in room 105 at Mod Hall on campus. That session will review program curriculum, student eligibility and admissions criteria.

Information is also available by contacting Jordan at jjordan@wsc.ma.edu.

Another new program to be offered beginning in September is a master's degree in social work with a concentration in clinical practice with children and families.

Both programs were approved by the state's Department of Higher Education.

The Westfield State College nursing program joins the University of Massachusetts as the only Western Massachusetts public colleges offering bachelor nursing degrees.