--- title: Growing demand in Nursing program at Dordt University prompts expansion of lab facilities date: 2025-03-27T12:56:00-05:00 author: Jennifer Vermeer canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/news/growing-demand-in-nursing-program-at-dordt-university-prompts-expansion-of-lab-facilities" section: News --- [ View Dordt News](https://www.dordt.edu/news) [Academics](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=academics) [Nursing](https://www.dordt.edu/news?category=nursing) Mar 27, 2025 # Growing demand in Nursing program at Dordt University prompts expansion of lab facilities To accommodate growing demand for its Nursing program, Dordt University is expanding its nursing skills lab. This expansion will provide additional lab space for hands-on learning. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/nursinglab.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=66&h=57&f=webp&c=b3b355b3&v=e3bdec51e8e2ebbbe38e55118cdc10facd9f9a9a3bdd924b99a209bcca59fd13) ![]()Dordt University is expanding its nursing skills lab to better meet the demand for its nursing program. This expansion will provide additional lab space to support the growing number of nursing students and enhance their hands-on learning experience. Dordt’s [Nursing](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/nursing-bsn) program, which has continued to expand since its first class in 2021, is known for equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the healthcare field—a field that is facing an increasing demand for professionals. “There is a nationwide nursing shortage, and nursing is a highly recruited profession,” says Dr. [Debbie Bomgaars](https://www.dordt.edu/people/deb-bomgaars), professor of nursing and director of the nursing program. “We have a 100% NCLEX pass rate, and our reputation as a top nursing program continues to grow.” “One of the constraints on accommodating growth is the instructional lab space. We are currently at capacity for lab space and cannot accommodate more students,” says [Fred Verwoerd](https://www.dordt.edu/people/fred-verwoerd), vice president of university operations at Dordt. “Rather than turning students away, we are creating another skills lab to respond to increased demand.” “We offer two-hour weekly labs beginning in the sophomore year, totaling 180 hours of practice in the nursing skills lab,” adds Bomgaars. “With the increasing number of students, we needed additional lab space to ensure every student has access to this critical practice time.” ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/i-RnLhCbr-X3.jpg?mode=fit&pos=center-center&w=57&h=65&c=c846e0eb&v=facc6fd2e5f17acbd86a914d0a3107b903fd324e7636f3b15aa4ee06022638ea) To accommodate the new lab, the university will relocate the digital media lab to a new space. This decision ensures the new nursing skills lab will be in the same area as the current labs, creating a more cohesive learning environment for nursing students. According to Verwoerd, the relocated digital media lab will continue to serve its intended purpose in a new location. “We’re grateful to the digital media program for their flexibility in relocating to make this possible,” adds Bomgaars. “With growth comes change, and we believe that our plan effectively meets the needs of our students, provides optimal spaces for faculty instruction, and makes responsible use of our institutional resources,” says Verwoerd. For more information about Dordt University’s nursing program, visit [https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/nursing-ba](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/nursing-bsn). --- **About Dordt University** As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. --- [Previous Article ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2023-24/chitwood.png?mode=crop&pos=0.5307-0.2813&w=56&h=33&f=webp&c=4b390a47&v=2d8c1e0dd332fda4c7abf12bdf9a28430563b1dfbb9f2aeb217fcd6ff2e227d9) Athletics Mar 27, 2025 ## Payton Chitwood named head coach of women's soccer team Dordt University has named Payton Chitwood as head women's soccer coach, bringing leadership experience from Warner University, where he was a two-time Coach of the Year and led teams in a highly competitive conference. 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