Midwestern State University: First to Adopt Concept-Based Curriculum!

In Texas, the Academic Progression in Nursing (APIN) organization is committed to increasing the proportion of nurses with a BSN to provide a highly educated nursing workforce (http://texasapin.org/). APIN solicited a task force to develop a concept-based curriculum to meet this goal. A decrease in enrollment in the RN Transition program in the Wilson School of Nursing at Midwestern State University prompted a update to the curriculum. The WSON found the courses in the newly developed APIN Concept-Based Curriculum (CBC), aligned with current nursing accreditation standards and would expand the knowledge base that nurses require for current health care delivery. We also believe that the curriculum builds on ADN nursing program competencies (in the process of signing multiple CABNET agreements). This curriculum will allow WSON to build on the life experiences that practicing nurses bring to the program. The adoption of the CBC will assist the WSON RN Transition program in efforts to remain competitive, provide a quality product, and potentially grow enrollment numbers to help increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020.
The WSON spent the last academic year preparing for the implementation of this new curriculum. After securing approval for the curricula change, the first students were admitted to the new program in fall of 2015. The program is designed so students who have completed the Texas Core and Nursing pre-requisite courses and meet the admission criteria can complete the program in two (2) semesters (full time) or in four (4) semesters (part time). The online program offers students the opportunity to learn in a supportive student-centered environment.
For further information about the Midwestern State University Wilson School of Nursing RN Transition Program please go to: http://www.mwsu.edu/academics/hs2/nursing/rn-bsn-home