100 Years

1909 – 2009
A Century of Educating Nurses

Bellin College has a distinguished reputation for providing students with a quality education which prepares them for the demands of the rapidly changing health care environment. The College has continually restructured its nursing program to meet health care changes. This devotion is seen in Bellin College’s rich heritage and commitment to nursing and education. 

Bellin College of Nursing first opened its doors to students in 1909 under the name Deaconess Sanitarium Training School. At this time the school offered a three-year diploma program.  The nursing program was founded by Dr. Julius Bellin, who one year earlier had established Bellin Memorial Hospital, now nationally known as a health care leader.  The school operated under this name until it was reincorporated as the Wisconsin Deaconess Training School in 1912.

In 1925, the Board of Directors renamed the institution Bellin Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses. Due to the incredible dedication and success of the institution, the school was accredited by the State of Wisconsin in the 1930s and fully accredited by the National League for Nursing in 1953.

In the early 1980s the faculty and administration at Bellin School of Nursing examined the changes in the profession and the educational trends in nursing. They decided in 1983 to phase out the three-year diploma nursing program and implement a four-year baccalaureate nursing education program (BSN). In 1984, the school reincorporated as Bellin College of Nursing.

A  Master of Science in Nursing degree program was created in the fall of 2004, to answer the demand for nursing educators and administrators.

The Higher Learning Commission accredited Bellin College to grant a Bachelor degree in Radiologic Sciences in 2009.

2009 is the 100th anniversary of Bellin College marking a century of tradition, and the school’s ongoing commitment to the Green Bay community by meeting the changing needs of the nursing field and the healthcare industry.