Nursing school gains full approval of state board
Oct. 17, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- The Michigan Board of Nursing has granted full approval to Western Michigan University's Bronson School of Nursing.
Though WMU's nursing program began in 1995 and was given initial approval by the board, full approval required the school to submit a written self-study identifying evidence of compliance with educational requirements. Along with the self-study, the board required a site visit by a nurse consultant, who visited the school in February. The consultant met with the school's director, Dr. Marie Gates, as well as with faculty, students, alumni, and community members involved with the school.
"The board's decision to grant us full approval indicates we have successfully supplied the Board of Nursing with evidence that we comply with all the rules required for a nursing program," Gates says.
The approval is another advance for a program that has seen many successes in its short history. In response to local and national nursing shortages, the WMU College of Health and Human Services opened the school in 1995. It became accredited by the National League for Nursing, and, by 1996, had graduated its first class of registered nurse completion students. In 1999, the school graduated its first four-year class.
According to Dr. Janet I. Pisaneschi, college dean, the Michigan Board of Nursing approval is a major accomplishment for both the school and the University.
"The Bronson School of Nursing consistently proves itself to be one of the fastest-growing and relevant programs in the college," Pisaneschi says. "Its success has shown the community that through cooperation and hard work, we can build outstanding educational enterprises.
"Full approval by the board means that the Bronson School of Nursing is steadily rising as a force in Michigan nursing education," Pisaneschi notes.
For more information, call Marie Gates at (269) 387-8162.
Media contact: Mark Schwerin, 269 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu