Hardin-Simmons University Welcomes Students to the Inaugural On-Campus Nursing Program’s First Week

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) proudly launched its inaugural on-campus nursing program this week, welcoming 30 first-year students who will begin their clinical nursing experiences and 45 pre-nursing track students. This marks a transformative step in HSU’s commitment to healthcare education.

“This new program represents a bold step forward in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals,” said University President Eric Bruntmyer. “By addressing critical healthcare shortages and fostering excellence through faith-based values, HSU combines an innovative curriculum, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs, positioning us to make a lasting impact on the nursing field.”

In contrast to many universities that introduce a nursing curriculum during a student’s junior year, HSU allows students to enroll in a nursing foundations course as early as their freshman year. This innovative approach provides a solid foundation in nursing education from the beginning of their academic journey.

“We have been planning and praying over this program for two years,” said Sandra Welling, Associate Dean/Founding Director of Nursing Education and Professor of Nursing for Hardin-Simmons University. “This week, it all comes together.”

HSU’s nursing curriculum is thoughtfully designed to address industry needs. Extensive conversations with healthcare professionals have shaped the program to reflect real-world demands. The university fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through partnerships with its chemistry, exercise science, and microbiology departments, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded and prepared for cross-disciplinary challenges in healthcare.

“Hardin-Simmons School of Nursing boasts over 50 clinical affiliation agreements,” said Instructor of Nursing and Simulation Lab Coordinator, Katie Martin. “These partnerships guarantee students diverse and comprehensive hands-on experience in various clinical settings, preparing them for the dynamic and ever-evolving field of nursing.”

Students in the program will benefit from state-of-the-art learning environments, including a six-bed simulation lab, an eight-bed skills lab, and a cutting-edge virtual cadaver lab. HSU facilities are designed to replicate real-world healthcare settings and enhance students’ anatomy and physiology instruction through advanced technology.

The future of nursing education at HSU is bright, and we are excited for this next phase in our school’s history. To learn more about the HSU nursing program, click here.