SALEM, OR – On August 28, Corban University’s inaugural cohort of nursing students began their first day of instruction. These 14 students will be the first to undertake Corban’s newest degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which looks to add a unique voice to the nursing education landscape, equipping students to meet a global and growing need for nurses through courses taught from a biblical perspective.  

“It’s an exciting time to finally see nursing students on campus,” said Corban University Director of Nursing, Dr. Beth Bailey. “Many hours of prayer, work, and preparation have culminated in this day becoming a reality. We are blessed and excited to begin the nursing education journey with these students who we believe God has a very special plan for.” 

For one of these students, freshman Elysia Bock, Corban’s combination of faith focus, a strong science core, and hands-on training was what led her to sign on as a member of this first class. “I chose Corban because, out of all the schools I looked at, it aligned with my views as a Christian and my goals as a student the best,” she said. “I’m excited about learning nursing from a biblical perspective and growing to become a nurse alongside a cohort whose main focus is to be a light for the Lord.”  

Along with Corban’s distinct faith focus, the BSN will offer nursing students an uncommon opportunity to engage in medical research at the undergraduate level. “I’m excited about the very solid foundational knowledge our students will learn in their first two years of general education courses,” Bailey said. “We have extremely strong science department faculty who will help our nursing students be well-prepared, and their liberal arts and Bible courses will help prepare them cognitively and spiritually for the challenges they will face in today’s complex nursing environment.” 

During their four years, Corban nursing students will benefit from a variety of unique opportunities such as engaging in real-world research through resources like Corban’s SCoPE research lab, run in partnership with Santiam Hospital, building hands-on experience in clinical and healthcare setting through expanding partnerships with local hospitals, and serving alongside medical professionals in global and developing settings during yearly medical mission trips to places like Honduras. 

While the program is in its infancy, Dr. Bailey and the leadership at Corban University are excited to add another degree offering that will help to meet a growing need in the marketplace while also closely aligning with the University’s mission of “educating Christians who will make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ.”  

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, visit: https://www.corban.edu/academics/majors-programs/mathematics-science/nursing-bsn/