The University of Northern Iowa now has a new program designed for students who want to become nurses!

Registered nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. Nurses help provide and aid in patient care, they can be a huge support system for families and parents, and they also help educate the public on potential health concerns. The list is endless and could go on far beyond those basic three examples. The University of Northern Iowa wants to help add more nurses to the Iowa list.

In the fall semester of 2024, about 25 Panther students will become the first group of students to join this new program. This program is designed to help students receive their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

UNI New Nursing Program

According to KCRG, The University of Northern Iowa's new nursing program students will spend time in a newly renovated part of UNI.

"It renovated its Innovative Teaching and Technology Center into nursing classrooms and labs."

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The University of Northern Iowa wants to add to the nursing shortage felt throughout the state of Iowa. Nancy Kertz is the Executive Director of Nursing at UNI and she said the goal of the program is to help Iowa's workforce needs.

Right now, there are approximately 8,000 positions for registered nurse [in Iowa] that are listed online. "Our goal here is to help meet the workforce needs of Iowa."

The New Space

One of the most exciting aspects of this new UNI program is this newly renovated space will give nursing students some much-needed hands-on experience that is required in the nursing field.

According to KCRG, "The new simulation labs feature simulator mannequins that are similar to real human patients. Their chests move when they breathe, blink, cough, or even groan in pain. A camera in the labs will record a student’s performance as well, so they can review and improve their skills."

This is a student at the University and she explains her reasoning for being part of the new batch of nursing students at UNI!

The University plans to gradually roll out its new program and will add more students each semester. You can meet Dr Nancy Kertz, the new Executive Director of Nursing and Chief Academic Nursing Administrator in this video released by UNI!