IU Kokomo launches three-year direct admit nursing degree

KOKOMO, Ind. - Future health care providers can now earn a nursing degree in three years with Indiana University Kokomo's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Direct Admission pathway - allowing the campus to help fill the critical need for nurses in north central Indiana.

Launching in January 2027, the pathway allows high-achieving incoming undergraduate students to be admitted directly into the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, rather than completing prerequisites during the first year before applying for admission.

"Many students are coming to us already having achieved a lot of the dual credit coursework that takes care of those prerequisites," said Dean Angela Opsahl. "This allows us to give them credit for that work, and positions us as a top contender in the local community in preparing these future nurses to serve our regional health care needs."

The program, which was unanimously approved by the Indiana State Board of Nursing, maintains the rigorous BSN curriculum while leveraging dual-credit high school coursework already earned by eligible students. This reduces their time to complete a degree, and lowers tuition costs.

"The pathway will streamline a student's progression through the nursing major and provide certainty from day one," said Stephanie Pratt, assistant dean of BSN programs. "It strengthens engagement early in the program, builds professional identity, and ultimately supports higher retention and graduation rates."

Opsahl said the initiative is a strategic response to the ongoing nursing shortage, establishing a robust pipeline of job-ready graduates.

"This pathway not only meets the evolving expectations of today's learners, but also strengthens healthcare delivery across our region by graduating highly prepared nurses more efficiently."

SNAHP leaders will meet with area school leaders, including guidance counselors, to discuss how students can prepare for the direct admission pathway.

Interested students should contact SNAHP advisors Kim Evans ([email protected]) or Karen Sallee ([email protected]) for more information.

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