GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program received initial approval from the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing recently following the Board’s review of the program and a successful facility survey.
According to the approval letter, this endorsement signifies that Thiel’s program meets the Board’s rigorous standards for nursing education and clears the path for further program development. It also permits graduates from Thiel College’s program to sit for the licensure exam. The initial approval status will remain in place until examination results of the Thiel’s first cohort of graduates are available and a compliance review to determine the program’s adherence to the Board’s standards are completed. Previously, the College had been collaborating with a partner to provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“Receiving approval from the state board of nursing and national accreditation underscores the quality and excellence of Thiel College’s nursing program,” Thiel College president Susan Traverso, Ph.D. said. “This significant and key milestone validates our commitment to providing a state-of-the-art education that prepares students to deliver outstanding patient care. The staff and faculty who worked together and current nursing students who have shown great patience throughout the process all deserve a tremendous amount credit.”
Thiel College’s nursing students benefit from a hands-on learning experience. All courses and labs will be taught at Thiel with students also traveling to clinical sites. The College has site agreements with multiple clinical sites, including Meadville Medical Center, St Paul’s, UPMC Horizon and Bons Secours Mercy Health. Through its state-of-the-art simulation lab, students engage in realistic clinical scenarios using high-tech mannequins and medical equipment. The simulation lab follows a “Sim Family” throughout the course. Thiel College nursing students will take care of multiple members of the same family. These simulations allow students to practice patient care, clinical judgment, and critical thinking in a safe, controlled environment.
Students also develop essential soft skills, including teamwork, communication, and resilience, while gaining the confidence to navigate complex healthcare situations during clinical rotations. These experiences help Thiel nursing students build a growth mindset and the ability to excel under pressure.
Thiel’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to meet the growing demand for qualified nurses who are equipped with both the technical skills and interpersonal competencies needed in today’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations, with over 200,000 job openings expected annually due to retirements and workforce shortages. In Pennsylvania, a 2023 report from the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania revealed the state is projected to have a shortfall of more than 20,000 nurses by 2026, the worst situation nationally.
This is the second significant achievement for the program. Earlier this fall, it also received national accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.