BGSU nursing program’s supportive culture drives growth, sparking soaring enrollment for Fall 2024

The program has grown consistently since enrolling its first cohort three years ago

By Laren Kowalczyk ‘07

In the three years since the Bowling Green State University School of Nursing enrolled its first cohort of 41 students, enrollment has grown consistently—demonstrating the strength of the University’s student-centered program.

Nearly 200 students across three cohorts are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program for Fall 2024, including around 80 who are on track to graduate in Spring 2025 and will help fill a crucial role in healthcare as the U.S. continues to face nursing shortages.

Additionally, nearly 400 freshmen and sophomores are enrolled in the pre-nursing program, which prepares students to apply for admission into the School of Nursing during their junior year.

BGSU School of Nursing Director Dr. Shelly Bussard attributes the program’s growth to several factors, including supportive faculty, state-of-the-art learning facilities and the availability of helpful resources outside the classroom.

“Our current students often tell us they’ve never connected with a professor the way they have with our faculty in the nursing program,” Bussard said. “That reinforces that the consistent support and encouragement we provide throughout the program makes a difference.”

BGSU nursing student Olivia Riggs, who is currently completing a 10-week externship at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic, echoes that sentiment.

“My professors are some of the most encouraging and supportive people I’ve ever known,” she said. "I know their primary role is to educate us, but they go above and beyond.”

Beyond the program’s faculty, an academic success advisor offers students support in all aspects of life, not exclusively academically, which is a unique facet of the program. There also are academic advisors dedicated to ensuring pre-nursing and nursing students stay on track with the correct sequence of classes.

Additionally, tutoring for both classroom theory and nursing skills is available, further illustrating the program’s commitment to helping students succeed. Housed in Central Hall, the nursing program’s state-of-the-art skills lab and simulation center offer students hands-on experience to prepare them for the rigors of healthcare.

“We want to ensure that students who need additional help outside the classroom have adequate resources available throughout their journey in the nursing program,” Bussard said.

BGSU established a standalone School of Nursing in the College of Health and Human Services in 2020 as a direct response to workforce demands.

The program’s consistent growth since then prompted an additional spring enrollment, which occurred for the first time in 2024. By Spring 2025, four cohorts will be enrolled in the program at any given time.  

Bussard said the nursing program’s strength is bolstered by the University’s strong reputation and rankings, including being named the No. 1 university in Ohio - public or private - for the student experience.

“Students are drawn to BGSU for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant student life, and when they are touring campus, we can showcase our incredible nursing program,” Bussard said. “We introduce them to our faculty and take them through our classrooms and labs, which helps them visualize themselves in those spaces.”