MSSU, State Board of Nursing begin process for program changes

Last year, the Missouri State Board of Nursing determined that too many Southern graduates were having problems passing their National Board Exams.

Now, as a result, a total hold has been placed on new students coming into the Bachelor’s degree nursing program at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin.

That means there will be no new nursing cohort at MSSU in the spring of 2021.

MSSU provost and vice-president for academic affairs Dr. Paula Carson says the university has hired a consultant to try to get the problems worked out.

The hold will not affect the progress of those already in the program.

Missouri Southern State University and the Missouri State Board of Nursing have started the process for curriculum and programmatic changes.

To improve student outcomes, significant changes are currently being implemented to ensure the program’s long-term vitality.

“We will continue to do what is best for students and focus on all facets of the program,” said Dr. Paula Carson, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Work has begun to improve curriculum in order to provide students with the classroom and clinical experiences needed to prepare them for the national board exam and career success. An experienced consultant has also been contracted to assist in this process.”

Those efforts have already shown positive results in creating improvements within the program, she said. During the spring 2020 semester, 90% of students passed the national board exam on the first attempt which exceeds the 80% state requirement.

“By continuing to work with the Missouri State Board of Nursing, Missouri Southern will ensure students receive the right education for their professional field,” Carson said. “Our students are always our first priority.”

Missouri Southern has had a nursing program for the last 45 years.

For more information about the nursing program at Missouri Southern, visit https://www.mssu.edu/academics/health-sciences/nursing .