MSC Southeast Red Wing campus welcomes first cohort of RN-BSN students

For associate degree nurses -- also known as registered nurses -- earning a bachelor of science degree in nursing can become the pathway to a more challenging career with increased responsibilities and rewards.

Winona State University has developed a successful RN to BSN completion program, which has just expanded to include the Red Wing area. The first group of students came to the MSC Southeast Red Wing campus on January 9, 2018 for orientation.

Jennifer Timm, Assistant Professor at Winona State University and Co-Coordinator of the RN-BSN program, was on campus Tuesday to meet with 28 new students who are starting in the program.

"This is our very first cohort in Red Wing. Our home base is Rochester and we have a satellite campus in La Crescent. Now we have a northern campus here in Red Wing," she says. "The majority of the students who come to the RN-BS program are already working, so now they're coming back to school to achieve the baccalaureate."

According to Jennifer, the new cohort ranges from students who are a year or two out of their associate degree program to nurses who are coming back with close to 10 years in the field. Several of the students are graduates of Minnesota State College Southeast.

In the RN-BS Completion program, hybrid/blended classes combine online study with classroom/lab study at the Red Wing campus. Although the face-to-face component of the coursework takes place at MSC Southeast, enrollment in the program is managed through Winona State University and classes are taught by WSU faculty. 

Jennifer stresses the importance of offering the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing throughout Southeast Minnesota. "Rural areas have a very difficult time getting nurses at any level of education. The Institute of Medicine recommends and encourages that 80% of our nurses be educated to the baccalaureate degree. That's why RN-BS completion programs in rural settings are so important."

"We are very excited to see our partnership with Winona State University to offer a bachelor's completion program getting off the ground!" says Dr. Leslie Bleskachek, MSC Southeast Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services. "We hope this will be the first step in many future collaborations."

For more information about the RN-BS completion program or to apply for admission, email [email protected] or call 507-285-7349 (800-366-5418, extension 7349).