Lebanon Valley College announces nursing degree

Lebanon Valley College (LVC) announced April 30 that it will be offering a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree starting Fall of 2022.

LVC has received initial approval from the PA Board of Nursing to offer the BSN degree. Applications for the Fall 2022 program will be accepted starting this summer.

LVC already offers several health profession-related degrees such as athletic training, clinical mental health counseling, and more. According to the announcement, LVC hopes to help with the growing demand of nurses in the area.

“LVC has an excellent track record of preparing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals,” said LVC president Dr. James M. MacLaren in the announcement. “Our new program will address our region’s nursing shortage. LVC nurses will be inclusive, interculturally skilled, and committed to treating each patient as a unique individual.”

During their first two years, enrollees will be trained in “written communication, active listening, intercultural competence, quantitative reasoning, applied knowledge, critical thinking, and the ability to solve complex problems,” according to LVC provost and vice president of academic affairs Dr. Monica Cowart. The final two years of the program “emphasize nursing-specific courses, technology, research, and clinical experiences.”

LVC is also planning to build a new academic facility — construction scheduled to begin this fall— that will include simulation and skills laboratory space for students.

There, students will work with manikin simulators. The press release states that “the LVC simulation program will ensure all patients in the scenarios are inclusive of all races, religions, ages, and gender identities to provide students with a comprehensive cultural competency experience.”

LVC has partnered with sites including Cornwall Manor and WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital to work with students and build their skillsets.

“I’m grateful to our partners for providing our students with clinical experiences that will prepare them to provide effective, patient-centered care across the lifespan,” said Cowart. “Because of LVC’s curriculum and mentoring, they will be empowered to make a difference in their field and in the lives of their patients.”