ICN Contributes to Increase in Enrollment for Nursing Classes at U of I ICN Contributes to Increase in Enrollment for Nursing Classes at U of I Only one quarter of Iowa's 32,000 registered nurses have a bachelor's degree or higher. The classes originate at the College of Nursing in Iowa City. More than 100 students are expected to enroll in the three classes being offered for the fall semester. More than half of those enrolled will be taking the classes over the ICN at sites in Fort Dodge, Mason City and Spencer.
Classes meet one day a week, enabling students to continue working.
Herr said the increased availability and flexibility of classes offered over the ICN have contributed to a significant increase in enrollment in the bachelor's degree program. According to Kathy Keasler, a member of the nursing program's professional staff, the ICN has enabled them to deliver quality education to students throughout the state. She said with the use of the ICN, off-campus students don't get short changed when it comes to the quality of their educational experience. In addition to the interactive video classes, students work with university faculty located at each of the community college sites. Keasler said changes in health care have prompted many registered nurses to pursue a bachelor's degree to gain the additional skills they need to provide the best quality care to their patients.