The nursing programs at Fairmont State have reached a peak of excellence and are recognized for their quality throughout West Virginia. The mission of Fairmont State University College of Nursing is to serve as a leader in improving the health of West Virginia and the global community through a commitment to excellence and innovation in teaching, scholarship, and service. Our vision is to be a center for excellence in nursing education where graduates are capable of providing care for and changing the health of the world. The College of Nursing accomplishes its mission by offering an Associate of Science in Nursing program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and a School Nurse Certification Program.
The Associate of Science in Nursing Degree Nursing program has maintained continuous accreditation through the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses since the inception of the program in 1964 and has maintained national nursing accreditation through the National League for Nursing (NLN), the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC), and the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since graduating the first class in 1966. The ASN program offers three program tracks, the traditional program., hybrid/weekend program (started in 2017), and the LPN to ASN program (started in 2009). Recognition of prior education and practice makes it possible for the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to build on competencies gained in their LPN program and complete the Associate of Science in Nursing degree in three semesters. Graduates of the ASN programs report 100% employment, if they choose to be employed and overall program satisfaction. Many of our associate degree graduates have continued in their nursing education by completing BSN, MSN, and doctoral programs
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program started as a RN-BSN program in 1989 and attained initial Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation in 1997 and has maintained national accreditation since that time. Baccalaureate nursing courses are offered online, permitting nurses to work full time while pursuing a degree. Our baccalaureate degree graduates have assumed leadership roles in healthcare organizations, academic positions, and obtained masters and doctoral degrees. The traditional BSN program began in the Spring of 2023 because of a needs assessment for program expansion, the RN vacancy rate and expected growth rate in the region, and current and prospective student request for a traditional BSN program. The traditional BSN program is accredited by CCNE. As part of the BSN program, we offer a School Nurse Certification program.
It is my privilege and pleasure to work with nursing faculty who are academically well prepared, excellent clinical practitioners, and committed to providing the best nursing education possible to our students. The positive outcomes generated by the faculty and students, require cooperative effort and teamwork. Nursing faculty are continually reviewing and revising policies, curriculum, and experiences to provide educational opportunities designed to prepare graduates for today's health care system.
Students enrolled in the nursing programs are special. They become a part of our family when they enter and are mentored by faculty who care about their progress and success. Students and faculty interact in the classroom and clinical setting to gain the maximum from each learning opportunity. Following the completion of our program graduates and faculty work together to enhance the health of West Virginians and the global community.
As you peruse our website, I hope you sense the excitement and challenge of nursing education at Fairmont State University and chose to come to FSU!
Dr. Deborah Struth, Ph.D., MSN, RN, CNE
Dean of the College of Nursing