MUSC's College of Nursing is extending its educational services to the Pee Dee region by offering a generic bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree in nursing at Francis Marion University, beginning with fall 1998.

Approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, students will have the opportunity to choose from three curriculums: an associate to bachelor's degree track for registered nurses, a generic baccalaureate nursing program and a master of science program.

Strongly supported by the two hospital systems in Florence, McLeod Regional Medical Center and the Carolinas Hospital System, the program resulted from the need to attract enough registered nurses with bachelor's degrees to the Pee Dee region. Only nine percent of registered nurses have their bachelor's degree. “

The MUSC College of Nursing has enjoyed the strong support of the Florence community and Francis Marion University for the past 15 years,” said Maureen R. Keefe, dean of the College of Nursing at MUSC. “We are pleased to be able to expand our nursing education offerings to meet the need for more baccalaureate and master's prepared nurses in this region.”

Approximately 20 students are expected to register this year.