School of Nursing and Health Professions boasts largest BSN program class in its history

MURRAY, Ky. – The Murray State University School of Nursing and Health Professions recently admitted 46 students to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, the largest in program history.

The school admitted every qualified applicant who met admission criteria, according to Dr. Dina Byers, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Professions.

“We are trying to meet the workforce needs by admitting more students,” said Byers. “The current instability of the nursing workforce reflects the pandemic’s toll on nurses and nursing education. We have a responsibility to serve our communities and regions by recruiting, retaining, and graduating high-quality nurses. The admission of these students demonstrates that Murray State University is committed to assisting in helping to reduce the nursing shortage.”

This four-year program prepares students for beginning levels of nurse practice and fulfills the educational requirements to write the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for registered nurses. There are three semesters of pre-requisite courses and five semesters of nursing courses. Clinical experiences also take place throughout the region and in a variety of settings to prepare students for life in the field of nursing.

Murray State broke ground on a new School of Nursing and Health Professions building on Dec. 8, 2023. 

The building, which is expected to open in January 2026, will offer Murray State students expanded opportunities such as laboratories, simulation areas, larger classrooms and more study and collaborative spaces. 

To learn more about Murray State’s nursing program, visit murraystate.edu/nursing.