A new program at Concordia College Alabama will allow registered nurses to earn a four-year degree.

The college is adding a bachelor’s of science in nursing, starting this month.

Health Sciences Division Chair Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks said the program is a great addition to what the school has to offer.

“Concordia is certainly trying to meet community needs and health care is a great one in our area. We are designed to take RNs who have associate degrees and transform them into great servant leaders,” Hendricks said.

Curriculum and other specifics had to be approved by school faculty, the Concordia College Board of Regents and The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Hendricks said she is confident that once more people are aware that Concordia offers the program, there will be a growing interest. She said she aimed to make the program flexible for working registered nurses in the area.

“This program is unique. The majority of RN to BSN programs in Alabama are online programs and nurses in this area with associate degrees have expressed anxiety about enrolling in them,” Hendricks said.

Students in the program will have to come to class one day a week. They will then have assignments to submit online. It is a one-year program. Anyone who is interested in enrolling in the program can visit the website at www.ccal.edu or visit the admissions office at the school. Classes start Friday but people will still be able to register.

The CCA Health Sciences Division also offers a pre-nursing program. Submission to SACSCOC for approval of Pre-Occupational Therapy and Pre-Clinical Laboratory Science programs is being observed. Hendricks said she hopes they will be available by the fall.

CCA has a Lutheran foundation so upon graduation the program will certify all students as parish nurses, a registered nurse who encourages physical and spiritual health.

“I have faculty who are seasoned nurse educators and support Concordia’s initiative by helping to grow and ensure a new, quality program,” Hendricks said.