Dean's Message
Pegge L. Bell, Ph.D., RN, APN

A career in nursing is filled with challenges and opportunities to help others. It offers flexible schedules and careers. There are so many choices about where a nurse can work - in home health, hospice, hospitals, schools, or community agencies. Our graduates work in a number of clinical settings and serve in a number of professional roles. Our programs prepare clinicians, researchers, educators, administrators, leaders, change agents, and patient advocates.

The School of Nursing is located in one of the most multicultural areas of the state. About 75% of our students are from culturally diverse backgrounds. This gives students an opportunity to learn from others and to become prepared to serve the culturally diverse populations of our state. With a community-based curriculum, students are exposed to a number of culturally diverse communities where they can make an impact on the lives of those who have limited exposure to health care services.

We have one of the largest Nursing Student Associations in the state. This pre-professional organization offers students opportunities for growth as leaders in the community. NSA members participate in a number of community activities that promote health lifestyles and improve the lives of others.

One of our strongest assets is the caring environment we provide students. You will be assigned a faculty advisor and receive one-on-one time with this advisor to plan your educational program of study. This attention to your educational learning styles, professional goals, and personal aspirations will contribute to your academic success. If financial aid is a concern, you will be glad to hear that Barry offers one of the best financial aid packages in the area.

If you are pursuing a career in nursing, we look forward to talking with you about our baccalaureate (BSN) program . If you have a baccalaureate degree in another discipline, or have met the liberal arts requirements of a baccalaureate degree, you might be interested in our accelerated program.

For the returning professional registered nurse, we offer an RN to BSN and an RN to MSN bridge program. If you have the BSN, our MSN program prepares nurse practitioners, educators, and administrators. If you have a master's degree, you might be interested in our Ph.D. program .

As a student in the School of Nursing you will have the advantage of working with qualified, caring faculty. You will have classroom and clinical opportunities that will contribute to your educational program and the professional role you will take as a graduate of our programs. Your future in nursing begins now. Explore our web site, call, or e-mail us for additional information. I look forward to seeing you in one of our programs.