Corban University Expands Nursing Program with New Skills Labs and Growing Enrollment
Corban University’s nursing program is stepping confidently into its next chapter as newly developed lab classrooms and growing student interest signal strong momentum for the young major. Under the leadership of Dr. Christine Sommers, who brings more than 35 years of experience in intensive care and nursing education, the program is rapidly becoming a standout offering on campus.
Two classrooms have been outfitted to serve as a dedicated nursing skills labs, designed to support hands-on learning in an environment that mirrors real clinical settings. Equipped with hospital beds, essential medical supplies, and spaces for simulation-based practice, these rooms give students the opportunity to build competence and confidence before they enter clinical rotations.
“The beauty of nursing is that it’s both an art and a science, and with our skills lab, students are able to do both,” Dr. Sommers says. “This new space allows students to practice assessments, procedures, communication, and clinical judgment—key components of excellent nursing care. We want to make this space as real as possible so students can safely develop the skills they need before stepping into the hospital.”
As the facilities grow, so does enthusiasm from future nurses. Dr. Sommers notes that community and student interest in the nursing major has been consistently strong, with enrollment outpacing expectations and early program cohorts already progressing into their clinical experiences. Applicants, alumni, parents, and local healthcare providers have all expressed excitement at seeing nursing education take root at Corban.“It’s been encouraging to see nurses in the community wanting to come alongside us to train the next generation,” she says. “I think that speaks to the need for nurses everywhere and Corban’s reputation for developing graduates who make a difference.”
At the heart of the program is a distinctly Christian philosophy of nursing. Corban’s vision emphasizes “nursing as ministry,” preparing graduates not only to provide excellent clinical care but also to serve with compassion, integrity, and spiritual sensitivity. “We’re teaching our graduates how to make a difference not only in healthcare, but for eternity,” Dr. Sommers explains. “As believers, we look to the power of the Holy Spirit, listening for God’s prompting, and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit to patients, families, and coworkers, often in difficult circumstances.”
The new skills lab plays a crucial role in shaping that holistic formation. Students now have an environment where technical skill, clinical judgment, and Christ-centered compassion can be practiced together. Whether learning how to perform an assessment, communicate with a patient, or collaborate with a care team, Corban nursing students are gaining practical experience in a setting intentionally built to support their growth.
For Dr. Sommers, this work is deeply personal. “I’ve stayed in nursing for more than 35 years because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” she says. “Now, I get to help students learn how to think like nurses and see the many ways they can serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in healthcare settings around the world.”
With a new skills lab in place, a dedicated faculty, and expanding interest from prospective students, the future of Corban’s nursing program is filled with promise. As the program continues to grow, these labs, and the learning that takes place within them, are laying the foundation for well-trained, Christ-centered nurses who will impact communities at home and across the globe for Jesus Christ.
