Aug 30, 2014 02:42 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Wilkes University in Pennsylvania has launched a School of Nursing program for the 2014-15 year, school officials announced.

The establishment of this program makes the university the only higher education institution "with a separate nursing school in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Vicki Mayk, Wilkes University director of university public relations, told The Times Leader.

"By creating a distinct school with its own budget and leadership, we are better able to provide an integrated educational experience that meets the needs of students," Mayk said.

Wilkes University has a nursing program for more than 30 years. However, Mayk said growth in the field of study and industry factored into school officials' decision to "to restructure and establish a separate school for Nursing. Formerly the nursing program was combined with the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy.

"The structure of having a separate school allows us to have an academic unit with a single focus," Mayk added.

Comprehensive programs to earn bachelor, master's and doctoral degrees will be offered at the School of Nursing.

Students in the bachelor's degree program will receive three years of clinical experience, a year more than most undergraduate programs.

Students in the master's program will be able to earn a degree in the areas of nursing, nurse executive, adult gerontology primary care nurse practitioner degree, and psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner program.

The doctoral program is a practice-based program "designed for nurses preparing to become clinical experts in a specialized field," The Times Leader reported.

According to Wilkes University Website, their nursing students enjoy a 100 percent job placement rate within just a couple months of graduation.

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