For release
Further information: Contact John McAndrew
Public Relations Office, (570) 208-5958

September 12, 2018 - Six nurses working for local hospitals have begun their studies as part of the inaugural RN-to-BS in Nursing program at King’s College.

The program was established at King’s in response to the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation that the RN workforce with bachelor’s degrees increase from 50 percent to 80 percent by 2020. 

The coursework, which will focus on primary care, teaching and learning, leadership and management, and global health, is designed to allow current Registered Nurses with an associate or diploma degree an opportunity to further their education and increase their opportunities for career advancement. 

Further information about the RN to BS program is available by visiting kings.edu/nursing or by contacting Briget Ford at (570)208-8408 (brigetford@kings.edu) or Cynthia Mailloux (cynthiamailloux@kings.edu) at (570)208-5900, x. 5210.

King's also offers a Dual Degrees in Nursing (DDN) partnership with Luzerne County Community College which offers students a seamless route to earning the BS in nursing degree in just four years. It is tailored to traditional-aged first-year college students seeking a four-year degree in nursing.  The 1-2-1 Dual Degrees in Nursing is based on students doing course work on both campuses. The pathway allows students to receive two degrees, an AS and a BS in nursing, in four years. 

Pictured, from left, is Dr. Deborah Vilegi- Payne, PhD., RN, dean of nursing health, Luzerne County Community College; Christine Bonczewski and Kimberly Thomas, both Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre; Wendy Bealla, Geisinger Wyoming Valley; Michelle Phares and Sirena Mehall, both Commonwealth Medical Systems; and Dr. Cynthia Mailloux, PhD., RN, CNE, professor and department chair of nursing, King’s College.

Missing from photo is Terri Cesarini, Geisinger Community Medical Center Scranton.