Bowie State University is expanding its presence to Southern Maryland by offering its Master of Science in Nursing degree program at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center (SMHEC). Prospective students can learn more about the program during the center’s Spring Open House on Thursday, March 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the main SMHEC campus.
The program prepares professional nurses for family nurse practitioner roles and is the only graduate nursing program in St. Mary’s County. The first classes will begin in Fall 2012.
“Bowie State recognizes that there are many registered nurses in Southern Maryland who would like to earn their Master of Science in Nursing degree and become family nurse practitioners,” says Dr. Elaine Ridgeway, Bowie State University’s graduate nursing program coordinator. “Through the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, we are providing registered nurses with a high quality, accessible nursing degree program.”
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree is Bowie’s first nursing program offering at SMHEC, a regional facility located in California, Md., which serves the university and professional training needs of the Southern Maryland region. SMHEC partners with distinguished universities to offer a variety of graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
The Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares students to participate in health policy, research, health promotion, disease management and education. Students also develop the expertise and specialized knowledge needed to provide primary care to individuals, families and communities.
Students who want to be part of the first class should submit applications by July 2. Students can complete the program in 18 months on a full-time schedule or in three years on a part-time schedule. For more information about admission requirements, visit http://www.bowiestate.edu/academics/departments/nursing/master/.
Dr. Ridgeway and Dr. Doris Clark, nurse educator program track coordinator, will be on hand at the Spring Open House to provide information and answer specific questions about the program. For more information about the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, please visit http://www.smhec.org
