HARTSVILLE, SC (October 20, 2021) -- The South Carolina Board of Nursing has approved Coker University’s plans to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). Coker will begin recruiting students immediately for the new program, with initial enrollments beginning in the fall of 2022.

Coker officials announced the creation of its Nursing program earlier this year, with Dr. Carolyn Hart assuming the position of Dean of Nursing and associate professor. For the past eight months, Dr. Hart has led the development of Coker’s academic nursing program while navigating the approval process with the state and with the necessary accreditors.

As part of its innovative approach to nursing education, Coker will offer a hybrid program, meaning students can complete pre-work at home on their schedules to prepare for hands-on, job-applicable learning during class meeting times. The Coker BSN program will include:

• Online content available to help students master important content, meaning they can move quickly through information that is not new or repeat difficult content as many times as needed
• A nursing sequence beginning in your third semester
• Available options for working students that limit required time on campus

Nursing students accepted into Coker will be part of a cutting-edge program that is built to help learners become the nurses of the future. Coker students will receive almost 800 hours of clinical experience to provide the confidence and experience one needs to assume the role of a registered nurse. The Coker program includes NCLEX preparation (the exam one must pass to become a nurse) at no extra cost.  

With more regional students seeking undergraduate programs such as nursing and with many local employers looking to strengthen the pipeline of available healthcare workers in the region, Coker has committed to ensuring that its new BSN is an affordable investment for aspiring nurses. Currently, 95% of all Coker undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, with scholarship aid awarded to Coker students averaging nearly $17,500 per student. Last year, Coker granted more than $10 million in student scholarships to its students. 

Coker University has also filed a letter of intent to seek accreditation for the program with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Coker University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master's degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Coker University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).  

For more information on Coker’s nursing offerings, please contact Dr. Carolyn Hart at chart@coker.edu.