Dakota Wesleyan University plans to expand one of its nursing programs in Sioux Falls. The program is for Licensed Practical Nurses who want to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
The demand for nurses with a bachelor’s degree is on the rise. That has prompted the expanded program at Dakota Wesleyan University.
Fredel Thomas is a Vice President at the school. She says the nursing program is in a new downtown Sioux Falls location. More space will let them increase enrollment from 24 to 32 students.
Thomas says the program appeals to nurses who want to broaden their career opportunities.
“Not just in the nursing field but in the nursing leadership field. Maybe, there’s nursing research. Maybe there’s those kinds of things, um, that then allow them to kind of move on even further, you know, into doctoral programs or nurse anesthetist programs.”
Thomas says a student can complete Dakota Wesleyan’s LPN to bachelor’s degree in nursing in about two years. She says the program offers in person and online classes with clinical sessions to practice hands-on skills.
Thomas says the hybrid program allows students to take classes while they continue to work.