Brigham Young University. College of Nursing

The Brigham Young University College of Nursing was established in 1952. Within four years of its inception, the first graduate class, which consisted of 25 students, received its baccalaureate degree. The following fifty years saw the attainment of state and national accreditation, the implementation of graduate degree programs, and the beginning of a legacy of international service. Today, BYU College of Nursing educates nearly 300 students who are among the highest academically qualified in the country. As a vital part of their preparation, students engage in clinical practice in more than 250 clinical sites in the Mountain West and beyond. They have opportunities in variety of local and international areas including: Argentina, Ghana, South Africa, Ecuador, Russia, and Jordan. In addition, students study ethics, advanced writing, and religion. Recently, the College has embarked upon a four-year adventure to increase undergraduate enrollment by 25%. Graduate students consistently pass the certification examination for Family Nurse Practitioner with nearly 100%, and the program is ranked #58 by the U.S. News and World Report.

The Brigham Young College of Nursing was established in 1952. Within four years of its inception, the first graduate class, which consisted of 25 students, received its baccalaureate degree. The following fifty years saw the attainment of state and national accreditation, the implementation of graduate degree programs, and the beginning of a legacy of international service.

The idea of a BYU College of Nursing originated in 1949 when BYU President Howard S. McDonald met with LDS Hospital officials and discussed the possibility of setting up a Nurses Training School at BYU. After a meeting of the Presiding Bishopric of the Church and LDS Hospital and BYU officials, the BYU School of Nursing was born. Ernest L. Wilkinson found that the Board of Trustees was in favor of the new program so he allotted the school a generous budget, and the new School of Nursing was open for admission in the fall of 1952. The first dean of the college was Vivian Hansen, who had a master's degree and much field experience. The college was housed in the newly built Eyring Science Building.