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Janesville nursing program takes step forward

JANESVILLE — The plan to produce bachelor’s-degree nurses in Janesville has taken a big step forward.

The University of Wisconsin System has approved creation of a position that would oversee the program.

However, funding still is needed for new teaching positions the program would require, said UW-Rock Dean Diane Pillard.

UW-Rock County is in discussions with Blackhawk Technical College and UW-Oshkosh to establish the program.

UW-Rock and BTC would provide facilities and faculty. UW-Oshkosh would grant the degrees and now has approval to hire a nurse with a doctoral degree to oversee the program, Pillard said.

A state hiring freeze and budget difficulties stalled approval of the new position, Pillard said. But it appears decision makers were swayed by the fact that Rock County needs health care workers and that the area has been hit with massive job losses.

Pillard said there’s still a long way to go. Still lacking is funding for new instructors, Pillard said. UW-Rock needs additional science instructors and BTC a nursing instructor.

Pillard hopes to get those positions funded locally for two years and then seek funding under the state’s 2011-13 budget.

Local health care providers will be asked to help with funding.

UW-Rock, UW-Oshkosh and BTC still are working on agreements to make the program possible. Pillard remains upbeat that students could start at UW-Rock next fall, at least to work on their general-education requirements.

Students are expected to be both newcomers to the field and registered nurses who already have associate degrees. BTC now grants associate degrees in nursing.

Students could start either at BTC or UW-Rock. UW-Rock students would go to BTC for clinical classes.

Once students have completed their associate degrees, they would enter the UW-Oshkosh program. They would take courses both locally and online, Pillard said.

To learn more

To be placed on a list for information about the proposed bachelor’s degree nursing program, contact UW-Rock’s student services office at (608) 758-6565, ext. 200.