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November 19, 2008

ULM continues to expand online degree programs for working students

The addition of two more online degree programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe in Spring 2009 – one through the College of Nursing and one through the College of Business – offers the opportunity for students to pursue an education while continuing to work in their field.

ULM’s School of Nursing will offer an online Bachelor of Science degree, primarily focused on giving working registered nurses with an associate’s degree the opportunity to advance their education.

“Registered nurses have clinical skills and have already passed the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), but they may be ready to take their education to the next level,” said ULM’s Director of Nursing Dr. Florencetta Gibson. “This program affords them the opportunity to do that.”

Studies show hospital mortality rates are decreased with a higher educated staff, said Gibson, and companies could benefit when employees take advantage of online offerings that expand the knowledge base of nursing staff.

Though the program is geared toward nurses educated at the associate’s degree level, plans are in development for BSN nurses who want to earn their master’s of science to do so online.

A March 2008 report titled, “The Future of the Nursing Workforce in the United States: Data, Trends and Implications” found that the demand for RNs is expected to grow by 2 to 3 percent each year.

More information about the ULM School of Nursing may be obtained by visiting www.ulm.edu/nursing.

In the College of Business, Dean Ronald Berry noted that their General Business degree with two of their most popular concentrations – management and marketing – will be offered entirely online for students wanting a bachelor of business administration degree.

“There is a growing demand for students who want an online education. It made sense to put our General Business degree with these two concentrations out there first, with the idea that more could be added in the future,” said Dr. Berry.

Students who have some prior college and work experience are the most likely candidates for the BBA online degree, said Dr. Berry.

The online program, which is accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, will offer the same professional level of instruction as ULM’s traditional classroom experiences offer, according to Dr. Berry.

More information on the College of Business at ULM may be obtained by visiting ele.ulm.edu/majors.html.

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