University of Providence President Tony Aretz announced Wednesday that the Montana Board of Nursing has granted approval for a new bachelor’s of science in nursing program.

The four-year undergraduate program prepares future nurses to serve in rural areas, both in Central Montana, and across other rural western states.

“Our ability to expand our School of Health Professions nursing programs in Montana broadens opportunities for both the local population and beyond,” Aretz said in a release. “We are excited about the positive impact our future students will have in healthcare, especially in rural facilities.”

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In Montana, formal clinical partnerships have been forged with Central Montana Medical Center, the Nexus Drug Treatment Center, and the Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center, all located in Lewistown.

“Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown, Montana, is so excited to partner with the University of Providence to provide BSN nursing and clinical opportunities for our rural students in central Montana,” Karin White said in a release. White is the chief nursing officer of CMMC. “This is a Godsend and will benefit central Montanans for many years to come.”

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With the Board of Nursing approval, the university is now allowed to begin accepting students. Contact the university for details on admission requirements and starting dates.

In 2017, the university launched a new School of Health Professions to respond to growing demand for skilled healthcare workers. The School of Health Professions offers a number of online degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s degree level as well as post-baccalaureate certificates, including: RN to BSN completion program, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Science in Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, Applied Health Informatics Certificate, and a Medical Assistant Certificate. The university has plans to expand the School of Health Professions in the future to better meet high-need, critical workforce demands.

The University of Providence is a ministry of Providence St. Joseph Health and sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. Students have access to a quality education with a direct connection to the healthcare industry with the partnership between UP and PSJH.