St. Leo University recently announced they are offering a new nursing program that will prepare students for general nursing in complicated health care environments.

"We are thrilled to be adding the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to our College of Health Professions," Saint Leo University President Jeffrey D. Senese said in a release on the school's website. "This is a contemporary and competitive program that will incorporate best practices and current innovation to prepare our graduates for future career opportunities throughout Florida and throughout the United States. There is a growing demand for nurses across the country, and Saint Leo is well-positioned to help meet this need."

The new BSN program has limited access. New students will be accepted into pre-nursing arts and sciences courses. Among the courses included will be anatomy, math, microbiology, ethics, psychology and writing. Students should be aware that the application process will be a competitive one and that there are limited spaces to enter the program.

Among the reasons St. Leo is offering the new program is the fact that many nurses in the field are aging and will be retiring in the near future. It is imperative that there is access to superior training programs so that new health care providers are available to enter the industry.

"We are excited to offer future professionals a strong curriculum that is also unusual in having a contemporary focus on holistic wellness for all people— meaning individual patients, families and communities— and an emphasis on the well-being of the nurse," Dr. Mary Spoto, vice president for Academic Affairs, said. "Teaching future nurses to cultivate their own well-being is a good way to reduce turnover in the profession, and that serves everyone in society."

There will be approximately 48 spots for students in the first group, which will be scheduled to complete the program in the spring of 2025.