The UNMC College of Nursing Northern Division in Norfolk and West Nebraska Division in Scottsbluff have been approved as instructional sites by the Student Exchange Visitor Program to accept international students into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs, beginning with the fall 2025 semester.
Previously, those students would have to get an associate degree before pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They now can satisfy their prerequisites and consider the UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Norfolk and Scottsbluff for their bachelor’s degree without having to complete the associate degree in nursing first.
Haley Hays, DNP, interim assistant dean of the West Nebraska Division, said this will benefit both divisions because many international students already are on the campuses of Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff and Northeast Community College in Norfolk. Hays said in her tenure, the UNMC College of Nursing has had to turn away several international students, all of whom attended Western Nebraska Community College and wanted to remain in Scottsbluff.
“This initiative not only diversifies our student body but also strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled, culturally competent nurses in rural Nebraska,” she said. “By expanding opportunities for international students, we are fostering a richer educational environment and helping to address the critical need for health care professionals in our communities.”
Maegen Graham, student services coordinator at the West Nebraska Division, added that it will help bolster health care in the area, especially for international populations.
“It is important to be able to serve the international community in the rural areas and the Panhandle of Scottsbluff,” she said.
Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, said the ability to bring international students into the programs at Norfolk and Scottsbluff will be an asset to their respective communities.
“We are excited to have achieved this milestone and now be able to accept international students into our BSN program at the Northern and West Nebraska Divisions,” she said. “This is an opportunity to bolster the nursing workforce by retaining these students in our rural communities.”
Jane Meza, PhD, UNMC interim chancellor for academic affairs, said the interactions between students at UNMC campuses lead to a robust, collaborative environment. Students learn from one another and can take those lessons into their careers. Agreements to accept international students already are in place at Omaha, Lincoln and Kearney.
“We like to have international students at UNMC because it leads to a richer educational opportunity for all students,” she said. “It helps us to work and to learn with people from other countries and other cultures.”
Angela Johnson, EdD, assistant dean of the Northern Division, echoed Meza’s comments, stating that international students will encourage cross-cultural learning and collaboration in the classroom, which will prepare all students for life after school.
“Their presence enriches classroom discussions, fosters a broader understanding of healthcare practices, and contributes to the cultural competence of our future nursing professionals,” she said. “By welcoming international students, we strengthen our commitment to being a welcoming university that reflects the world we aim to serve.”
For more information, contact Maegen Graham, student services coordinator at the West Nebraska Division, Diana Rizzo, student services coordinator at the Northern Division, or Dan Teet, international student advisor with the UNMC Office of Global Engagement.