Southern Utah University’s Nursing Program has just been ranked number one in the state of Utah according to RegisteredNursing.org for the 2019-2020 school year.
Eighteen registered nurse programs were analyzed throughout the state. SUU was at the top of the list of public institutions based on several criteria. The criteria included graduation rate, licensure exam pass rate, and employment rate.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nursing is in high demand as a career choice throughout Utah. Communities large and small all over the state continue to need registered nurses.
Most of the hospitals in southern Utah particularly have been greatly influenced by the nurses coming from SUU’s esteemed program. SUU nursing student graduates move into leadership positions in their field throughout the state, and the country.
A big factor leading to SUU being ranked number one is the fact their program places an emphasis on real-life experience. SUU’s nursing program requires their students to complete over 500 hours of clinicals at hospitals and medical centers.
Kevin Tipton, an assistant professor of Nursing echoes this by saying, “Why I think we shine is that requirement in Clinical Hours. Students are expected to be [working] with live patients. Other programs do a lot of in-lab simulations in place of this. Our Program rounds the students out and compliments them in many areas.”
Courtney Godderidge, a senior in SUU’s nursing program, shared that in SUU’s program, you get to have hands-on experience from the beginning. “This is unique as a lot of other colleges don’t get that so early on,” Godderidge said.
SUU’s program proves to help future professionals excel in their field. After rigorous study and in-hospital experience, SUU nurses are well prepared. For more information on SUU’s nursing program visit their website.
Story by: Moriah Spainhower
news@suunews.net
Photos Courtesy of: suu.edu
