School of Nursing

Director's Message

It’s hard to believe that the summer has come and gone. While it might appear that all was quiet around here, that was far from the truth. With three cohorts of ABSN students on campus, we had more than the usual number of people in and out of Metro. In the past only the nurse anesthesia and nurse practitioner students were here but we added 47 others into the mix. This challenged our space in ways we have not in the past. The simulation areas were full to capacity. At times, creativity was needed to find classroom space for all the students. But, rest assured, we were successful and the summer seemed like a typical semester.

The students in Cohort 1 for the DNP: Nurse Anesthesia program presented their final doctoral projects and anticipate graduating in December 2024. Cohort 2 participated in their qualifying exams and are well on their way to initiating their projects. I knew these would be good, but I am impressed with the depth these students have achieved. Both the DNP: Family and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner students from Cohort 1 presented their qualifying exam and again, the quality of these projects is quite impressive. Cohort 2 for the NP program is beginning course work this August and we welcome them to campus. 

I think the most exciting event occurred on August 8. The inaugural cohort of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing participated in the Honors and Recognition Ceremony marking the end of their three-semester journey. It was a wonderful day to celebrate these students who worked so hard to earn this degree. Please click here for the story by Chuck Wasserstrom and pictures by Angela Foster. We were also honored to have four of the Gateway RN-BSN students participate in the ceremony and are equally proud of their achievements.  I am sure the ABSN students will be excellent additions to the nursing profession and those Gateway students have a new focus on elevating patient care. 

With faculty preparing for another busy semester, we are moving ahead with our new building. Groundbreaking will be sometime this fall with construction starting early next year – fingers crossed. If there was any doubt about the need for more space, it was evident this summer. We are excited about the future in the School of Nursing. Check our website often for updates. Great things are happening here.  

Christine Benz Smith, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
UC Foundation Professor
Director, School of Nursing
Chief Health Affairs Officer
 

 

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The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice and post-graduate APRN certificate at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.