January 20-21, 2000

ITEM 106-1901-R0100 Approval of Proposal to Convert the Certificate in Practical Nursing to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Practical Nursing; Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana

THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes the Helena College of Technology of The University of Montana to convert the Certificate in Practical Nursing to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Practical Nursing.

EXPLANATION: The Practical Nursing program has added a fourth semester to its curriculum to accommodate new requirements from the Montana State Board of Nursing and recommendations from the program advisory board and former students. With this curriculum change, the Practical Nursing program has the capability to support recommendations from the Montana University System Task Force on Nursing Education to award an Associate of Applied Science Degree. The curriculum for this degree will enhance students= professional training and give them options to take transfer level courses to prepare for Registered Nursing programs at other colleges.