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FSU NursingProgram FSU's Nursing Department expands into a state-of-the-art building. By Talia Higgs Fayetteville State University opened the 37,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Nursing Education and Research Center in 2011. A 22 | Accents • 2011 - 2012 ttitude check! Bronco pride! Fayetteville State University has yet another reason to boast about its accomplishments. Students seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing now have a brand new, state-of-the-art facility —the Nursing Educa- tion and Research Center — in which to study. The 37,000 square foot facility, located on the main campus at Murchison Road, is home to many technological enhancements, including a Clinical Simulation Center which allows students to experience hu- man patient simulations. There are two computer labs, three seminar rooms, and eight class- rooms available for use, and according to department chair, Dr. Afua Ahrin, the building itself is "sustainable." Fayetteville State University first offered the R.N to B.S.N. program in 1992, but has made changes to reflect the demands of nursing education in the 21st century global workforce. The program is now geared toward students who already have an associate's degree in nursing. "We're meeting the needs of a lot of associate degree nursing students," Dr. Ahrin said. "A lot of our graduates go on to achieve master's degrees. Our program is growing by leaps and bounds." Currently, there is no cap on the number of students accepted into the program and Fayet- teville State University officials are also looking into reinstating a four year nursing degree program in the fall. FSU's nursing program holds membership in the American Association of Colleges of Nurs- ing (AACN) and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a subsidiary of the AACN. H

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