South University's College of Nursing comes to Columbia

South University's College of Nursing announces approval by the South Carolina State Board of Nursing to admit the university's first nursing class in South Carolina in the spring of 2009. South University is now enrolling students to complete pre- requisite courses.

"South University's nursing program addresses the critical shortage of nurses at the bachelor's, or professional, level," said Michelle Liken Ph.D., RN, program director for nursing. "The program has been designed to prepare students to become tomorrow's leaders in nursing."

In the nursing laboratory, classroom, and clinical experiences, students first must master the fundamentals of nursing and complete the basic medical- surgical courses. Building upon those skills, the students complete specialty courses such as obstetrics, pediatrics, and critical care.

"Our nursing lab is amazing," said Anne Patton, president of South University in Columbia. "Students have the opportunity to work with the human patient simulator, a computer- controlled manikin who mimics real- life scenarios, such as cardiac arrest or stroke, and allows students to practice specific- care skills."

The final quarter of the program prepares students for their transition to the nursing profession. Students practice leadership and management skills by choosing a clinical placement in an area of interest from one of a many healthcare facilities available in the local community. During this time, students work with a registered nurse preceptor on a one- to- one basis to prepare for entry into practice and complete comprehensive testing to assure competency and safe practice.

"In total, students spend over 500 hours in the classroom and over 1,100 hours in clinical practice. The program emphasizes caring for vulnerable populations, which includes those who have limited or no access to health insurance," said Dr. Liken.

Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social, and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral level with campuses located in Savannah, Ga., Columbia, S.C., Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. and Montgomery, Ala.

Further information on South University is available at www.southuniversity. edu