SIOUX CENTER – Iowa (KTIV) – Dordt University celebrated the launch of a new program that promises to address the shortage of skilled nurses across the country.
And, nurses, who enroll in the program, won’t have to leave their jobs to study on campus.
“Way back when I was a student, Dordt didn’t even have nursing, not to mention having a nurse practitioner program and it’s wonderful,” said Dr. Deb Bomgaars, Professor of Nursing and Director of Nursing Program.
Dr. Deb Bomgaars graduated from Dordt, became a nurse, and now serves as the director of Dordt’s nursing program. She’s excited for the new Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program, and the opportunities it will give students that she didn’t have. The two or four year plan of study combines online course work with clinical hours completed in students’ home regions.
“There is also 750 hours of clinical practice with it, which is vitally important as understating their role as a nurse practitioner,” Bomgaars said.
This allows working nurses to remain in their communities, at their jobs, while advancing their education.
“It is different courses that totally relate to nurse practitioner. There are a couple of courses in nursing education that go with it. They can move into being a nurse educator, as well as, a nurse practitioner, or to help educate their patients,” Bomgaars said.
The goal is to prepare nurses who are highly skilled clinicians, and approach healthcare as a form of service caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the people they serve.
“It is available. It is available to anyone. Which is really nice,” Bomgaars said.
The Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner program will start in the fall of 2026 with 15 courses.
Anyone interested in applying must fulfill these requirements:
- A Baccalaureate degree (BSN preferred) with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- At least one year of full-time RN experience or 1,000 hours of bedside practice
- An unencumbered U.S. RN license
- A completed background check and two professional references
To apply for admission, people can apply here.
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