Who established the first college level nursing program?

The establishment of the first college level nursing program is attributed to Nutting. She was a pioneering figure in nursing education and recognized the importance of formal training for nurses. Under her influence, the curriculum shifted from primarily hospital-based training to more academic standards, leading to the development of higher education programs that prepared nurses with a robust theoretical foundation and practical skills.

The push for a college-level nursing program was part of a broader movement to elevate the profession and ensure that nurses were better prepared to meet the complex needs of patients. Nutting’s work laid the groundwork for the integration of nursing education into higher education institutions, emphasizing the importance of both coursework and clinical experience.

Other individuals mentioned contributed significantly to nursing, but they were focused on various aspects of nursing, such as advocacy for patient care, public health, or nursing reform, rather than directly establishing a formal nursing program in a college setting. Nutting’s legacy as an educator and reformer remains a critical milestone in the evolution of nursing as a respected profession.