BEMIDJI, Minn. (June 8, 2011) — One hundred and twenty spots. One hundred and twenty students.

Bemidji State University’s registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing degree completion programs at each of its three locations — at Bemidji State University and on the campuses of Lake Superior College in Duluth, Minn., and Anoka-Ramsey College in Cambridge, Minn. — are full to capacity of 40 students each for 2011-12.

“The Bemidji, Cambridge and Duluth areas are all home to significant numbers of RNs who have been requesting a public option for baccalaureate education,” said Dr. Jeanine Gangeness, chair of Bemidji State’s Department of Nursing.

“Registered nurses in northern Minnesota are thirsting for further education to improve their skills,” Gangeness said. “Completion of a nationally accredited nursing program helps students get into graduate programs, like nurse practitioner programs, and nurse practitioners are in huge demand nation-wide.”

Bemidji State’s four-year nursing degree program has been available at BSU since 1983. The University opened its program at Anoka-Ramsey’s Cambridge campus in the fall of 2009, and the Lake Superior College program will make its debut this fall.

The Lake Superior College program filled to capacity less than two weeks after the first information session for students interested in the program, which was held on May 25.

Bemidji State University’s nursing programs at all three locations will begin taking applicants for the fall of 2012 beginning in January.

For more information, contact the Department of Nursing at (218) 755-3860.