Nov 07, 2014 01:48 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

George Washington University is launching a bachelor of science in nursing program for military veterans, school officials announced.

The veterans BSN program, which will start in the spring 2015 semester, is designed to support veterans' transitions to the professional nursing workforce and award academic credit for veterans' prior experience and training.

"This BSN program is specially designed for military veterans," Billinda Tebbenhoff, associate dean for undergraduate studies, said in a statement. "What makes [George Washington University's] program unique is that reservists and veterans with a non-medical specialty are eligible to apply. Additionally, [the] Veterans BSN offers a curricular road map tailored to each student based on that student's prior military training and experience and prior college-level coursework."

According to the Bureau of Labor statistics' employment projections 2012-2022, nursing is expected to be one of the nation's fastest growing careers, with an estimated 19 percent increase in the labor force by 2022. The new academic program reflects the growing national demand for health care services, particularly primary care services, and the increasing emphasis on the BSN as the minimum entry-level degree for nursing practice.

"Many veterans possess valuable skills and training that position them well for entry into the nursing profession," Mary Jean Schumann, interim senior associate dean. "This program addresses two critical needs: the need to support veterans in their transition from military duty to the civilian workforce and our nation's increasing need for health care services."

The new academic degree was developed through the Veterans Educational Transition to Success Initiative, a $1 million project funded by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

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