Nursing Curriculum Development Initiative
Nursing faculty, Dean of HSHSN, IE, Academic Operations
Project Purpose
M State will redesign its nursing curriculum into an integrated “1+1” model that creates a seamless, stackable pathway from Practical Nursing (PN) to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN).
This initiative responds to persistent regional and statewide shortages of LPNs and RNs, driven by workforce retirements, increased healthcare demand, and rural access challenges. The 1+1 model aligns with best practices in nursing education by continuing early workforce entry after year one (PN) while preserving clear, supported progression to RN licensure. It is expected to improve student retention and completion, expand equitable access for rural and non-traditional learners, and increase program capacity through more efficient use of faculty and clinical resources.
This is a high-priority institutional initiative aligned with Minnesota State system goals and regional workforce needs. Its successful implementation will strengthen the healthcare talent pipeline and better serve students, employers, BSN educational partners, and the communities of west-central Minnesota.
Deliverables
- Approved 1+1 curriculum framework, program outcomes identified, courses identified, and course outlines created
- Full curriculum input into CDM with full approval by December 2026
- NLN-CNEA Accreditation approval
- Board of Nursing approvals (MN and ND)
- Revised program outcomes and program assessment plan
- Revised program policies
- Revised program selection admissions process
- Revised student handbook
Project Scope
In Scope
Accreditation standards and approval, Board of Nursing (ND and MN) approval, Clinical partners, Industry partners, staffing analysis.
Out of Scope
Faculty teaching assignments, nursing leadership team formation, financial implications, facilities, clinical agreements.
Constraints
Culture reset.
Financial Impact
- Summer curriculum development days
- Continued curriculum development
- Credit hours
Direct Impact:
- Students - RPOS progression with current core program students, condensed timeline for completion, current student admissions, opens more doors with ability for PN while completing RN
- Nursing Faculty - Nursing Faculty - Teaching in multiple programs, with 2 starts – ability to make changes in curriculum subsequent semester, development of curriculum, teaching new courses, learning process
- Nursing Leadership Team - yet to be determined – may need to navigate as we go, balancing leadership role with teaching role
- Dean of HSHSN – monitoring compliance with 2 faculty contracts, ongoing work with industry partners, keeping momentum, analysis of staffing and effectiveness of changes
- Lab Assistants - more to do if there is an increase in enrollment
- Selective Admissions and Advising Specialist
- SIM Coordinator - more to do if there is an increase in enrollment, working to embed simulation across both curricula
- Clinical Sites - additional sites to meet the outcomes in curriculum, balancing the number of students we have with current sites, cutting ties with sites that no longer meet outcomes
Yet to be determined:
Direct Impact:
- Administrative Assistants
- Gen Ed Faculty
- CAM team
Indirect Impact:
- Academic Advisors
- Enrollment Managers
- Student Affairs Directors
- Financial Aid Staff
- Proctoring/Library/AR Staff
Direct Impact:
- Students
- Nursing Faculty
- Nursing Leadership Team
- Dean of HSHSN
- Lab Assistants
- Selective Admissions and Advising Specialist
- CAM team
- Gen Ed Faculty
- Administrative Assistants
- SIM Coordinator
- Clinical Sites
Indirect Impact:
- Academic Advisors
- Enrollment Managers
- Student Affairs Directors
- Financial Aid Staff
- Proctoring/Library/AR Staff
