McDaniel College receives MHEC approval to pursue launch of four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing

McDaniel College has received approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to develop a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

“The endorsement from MHEC is a significant milestone for McDaniel as we move forward with pursuing this new Nursing program. We are in the process of conducting a national search for a dedicated program director and finalizing our proposal to the Maryland Board of Nursing,” said Vickie Mazer, dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, who is currently spearheading the development of this initiative.

The proposed pre-licensure BSN program aims to prepare students for licensure and entry into the nursing profession, while helping to address the nursing shortage in Carroll County and the surrounding region. The planned program is designed to offer multiple admission pathways, including direct admission for both incoming first-year and transfer students. Additionally, current McDaniel students wishing to major in Nursing can join the program in their third year.

“This new undergraduate degree in Nursing aligns with the college’s five-year strategic plan and builds upon the popularity of our Health Sciences major that was launched in 2020,” said McDaniel College President Julia Jasken. “We continue to look to offer programs that resonate with the professional aspirations of our current and future students and believe that our Nursing major will also be instrumental in expanding the nursing workforce in the region.”

“We are fortunate to have close partnerships with Carroll Community College and Carroll Hospital and look forward to working with them to develop cooperative strategies that will benefit both nursing programs, as well as assist the hospital with addressing the health care needs of those in our community,” President Jasken added.

Garrett Hoover, president of Carroll Hospital, wrote in a letter of support of McDaniel’s new BSN to MHEC, “It is incumbent upon us as health care professionals to do whatever we can to support and grow the supply of nursing students. Hospitals and academia alike are being called upon to work cooperatively to develop long-term strategies to solve the nursing shortage and Carroll Hospital, as well as our system [LifeBridge Health] is willing and eager to partner in this effort.”

The launch of the new degree program awaits final approval from the Maryland Board of Nursing.

To learn more about McDaniel's new BSN program, contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@mcdaniel.edu.