Catholic health care

In a bold and historic move to further integrate faith and healthcare, the University of Mary is proud to announce the formation of the first-ever hybrid diocesan-school chapter of the National Association of Catholic Nurses, USA (NACN)—a national organization with roots dating back to the 1940s. This inaugural hybrid model will be chartered in collaboration with the Bismarck Diocese and led through the University of Mary’s esteemed Larry and Eileen Weigum Division of Nursing under the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences.

The newly established Bismarck Diocesan-University of Mary Chapter is a first for NACN, which previously recognized only parish-based or diocesan-based chapters. Spearheaded by University of Mary nursing faculty and supported by Bishop Kagan, this pioneering structure is poised to serve as a national blueprint for other Catholic universities and dioceses seeking to form spiritually and ethically grounded nurses. With Bishop Kagan’s formal support, membership is open to Catholic nurses across the diocese.

An inspired vision

At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative is Teresa Bren, assistant professor of nursing at the University of Mary, who conceived the hybrid diocesan-school chapter structure and will serve as its first faculty advisor.

"The University of Mary is honored to support the formation of a diocesan-school based chapter of the National Association of Catholic Nurses (NACN), recognizing the alignment between the values of the NACN, the mission of our university and the teachings of the Catholic Church,” said Bren. “Nurses today face complex challenges that test not only their professional judgment, but also their moral clarity and emotional resilience. The NACN provides a faithful and nourishing space where Catholic nurses, regardless of where they work, can integrate their vocation with their faith, grow spiritually and find joy in knowing they are deeply loved and uniquely called to serve in Christ’s healing ministry.”

Lead with compassion and conviction

This development further elevates the University of Mary’s already acclaimed nursing program, widely recognized as one of the most respected in the country. Under the leadership of Dr. Mary Dockter, dean of the Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences, the university has earned national attention for its unwavering commitment to forming healthcare professionals who are clinically excellent and morally courageous.

"The NACN is a natural extension of our efforts to form healthcare graduates who are not only excellent and skilled providers, but also deeply committed to upholding the dignity and respect of all people,” said Dockter. “We work hard to ensure faculty and students have opportunities to grow their faith and ethical foundation with activities such as our annual Medical Professionals Conference on bioethics in December, a yearly pilgrimage to Europe and meaningful experiences serving the most vulnerable.”

Nationally ranked and rooted in mission

The announcement of this NACN chapter comes on the heels of a string of major milestones for the University of Mary’s nursing program. In Spring 2024, the university was ranked the No. 1 pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in the nation by Mountain Measurement, out of 1,386 programs evaluated across the country. This national recognition speaks to the program’s clinical excellence, rigorous academic standards and unwavering fidelity to Catholic mission.

In just the past three years, the nursing program has seen a remarkable 55 percent increase in enrollment—a testament to both its growing national reputation and its distinctive approach to forming whole-person caregivers. The program boasts an impressive 98% average NCLEX first-time pass rate over the past seven years, along with a 95 % BSN completion rate and a 98% graduate nursing completion rate. These metrics point to a culture of excellence, mentorship and student support.

A key initiative that sets the University of Mary apart is its fully endowed, tuition-free Nursing Academy. This one-of-a-kind program allows qualified students to earn their BSN in just 2.6 years with no tuition costs, in exchange for three years of service at a sponsoring healthcare agency. It’s a model that not only reduces student debt but also addresses critical nursing shortages in the region and beyond.

To support this level of excellence, the university recently completed a $3 million renovation of its Casey Center for Nursing Education, now home to the state-of-the-art Warren Simulation Center. This cutting-edge facility includes high-fidelity simulation labs, a dedicated skills lab, exam rooms and advanced performance capture technology. Together, these features provide students with real-world, hands-on experiences that prepare them for clinical success.

Additionally, the program is supported by a dedicated full-time student success coach and a simulation coordinator—key roles that ensure students receive personalized guidance from the moment they enroll through the day they graduate and enter the field.

The nursing program’s leadership team is equally remarkable for its stability and shared mission. Dockter has served at the University of Mary since 1998, as has Associate Dean Dr. Billie Madler, herself a proud graduate of both the university’s BSN and MSN programs. This longstanding leadership continuity has helped shape a culture rooted in Benedictine values and academic excellence.

United in purpose

The National Association of Catholic Nurses, USA, has long served as a professional, spiritual, and moral support network for Catholic nurses. Reincorporated in 1993, NACN’s mission aligns seamlessly with the University of Mary’s commitment to educating servant leaders in healthcare. The association promotes Catholic moral principles within nursing, encourages spiritual growth among members and advocates for the dignity and sanctity of human life.

"We believe this model will not only support the professional and spiritual formation of Catholic nurses throughout our region but also serve as a strong foundation for integrating faith and nursing practice in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Madler. “We are excited to offer this opportunity within the Bismarck Diocese as a warm and welcoming community where nurses can learn, grow, and serve with renewed purpose and strength.”

Model for Catholic health formation

The University of Mary continues to lead as a beacon of innovation in Catholic higher education. By establishing this first-of-its-kind diocesan-school NACN chapter, the university is further fulfilling its mission to educate servant leaders who are prepared to meet the pressing moral and clinical challenges of today’s healthcare landscape. In a profession that demands both skill and soul, this new initiative promises to be a sanctuary of support, a catalyst for excellence and a witness to the enduring power of faith in action.

As this chapter takes root, the university is also extending a warm invitation to those who wish to be part of this growing mission. Catholic nurses across the Bismarck Diocese are encouraged to join the newly chartered NACN chapter and participate in a community where faith, vocation and excellence meet.

The University of Mary also invites all healthcare professionals to attend the annual Saint Gianna Medical Professionals Conference on December 5-6. This powerful gathering is designed to equip medical professionals with the moral clarity and spiritual formation needed to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare through the lens of Catholic bioethics.

Students and prospective nurses are reminded that applications opened on July 1 for the university’s 2026 Tuition-Free Nursing Academy—a nationally unique program that combines academic rigor, mission-driven formation and tuition-free access. That same day also marked the start of the application window for the university’s renowned legacy BSN and MSN programs, which continue to prepare graduates for excellence in both practice and leadership.

For those currently working in healthcare, the University of Mary offers year-round opportunities for continued growth in the ethical and theological dimensions of Catholic medical care. Graduate students and healthcare professionals are encouraged to enroll in one of the university’s respected bioethics seminars or degree programs, including the popular Bioethics Seminar August 8 and 9 created in partnership with the National Catholic Bioethics Center.

Together, these efforts reflect the University of Mary’s enduring commitment to forming compassionate, courageous and faithful healthcare leaders for the Church and the world.

For questions or more information please contact the University of Mary at www.umary.edu or by calling 701-355-8030.