ODESSA, Texas -- The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) has announced the launch of a fully online Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Nursing (RN to BSN) degree program to meet the needs of working registered nurses and address the shortage of BSN-prepared nurses across Texas and beyond.

"Research has shown that nurses with advanced degrees play an essential role in reducing mortality rates and producing better patient outcomes," said Dr. Dorothy Jackson, Associate Professor and Director of the UTPB Nursing Program. "We are very proud to make this credential available to all working nurses in Midland-Odessa and beyond, while keeping our commitment to quality, access and affordability."

Designed specifically for working RNs, UTPB's online RN-to-BSN program blends the science and art of patient care and prepares nurses to become more confident decision-makers and healthcare leaders. The program can be completed in as few as 12 months, enabling students to pursue the advanced professional education required to hold leadership positions and increase earnings potential while balancing work, life and family obligations.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), UTPB's RN-to-BSN is one of the most affordable programs in the nation. Enrollment is now open for the first class start date of May 9, 2016. To learn more or apply, please visit http://degree.utpb.edu/Programs/1252/online-rn-to-bsn.

UTPB is working with Academic Partnerships, a leading online service provider for higher education, to cost-effectively deliver its online RN-to-BSN program. To learn about UTPB's broad portfolio of other fully online degree programs, please visit degree.utpb.edu.