FYI: Cedarville to offer master’s in nursing

There are hundreds of universities that offer master’s degrees in nursing.

Cedarville University is about to be one of only a few to offer a global health ministries degree as part of its planned Master of Science in Nursing program.

The university is taking applications for its newest master’s degree program that will begin next fall, pending accreditation and approval by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, as well at the Ohio Board of Regents.

The advanced degree program is a logical extension of the bachelor’s degree the university has offered for more than 25 years, said Janet Conway, senior professor of nursing and chair of the department of nursing.

“There’s a great demand for master’s level preparation to meet the needs of our population,” she said. The university’s nursing program is Cedarville’s largest major.

Graduates of the program will be equipped to go into three main areas — primary care nurse practitioner, nurse educator and global health ministries.

The first of the three is expected to grow in demand, especially in light of the shortage of primary care doctors and health care reform, which would encourage more nurse practitioners, Conway said. The second will help meet the demand for more educators as more students get on the nursing track.

The third area will equip the graduate for service to underserved populations in the U.S. and abroad, she said.

“To have this global ministry focus will be a direct correlation with the focus of the university,” she said.

For more information, visit cedarville.edu.