The study describes the founding and growth of professional nursing at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, from the program's initial planning in 1972 to 1992. The review of literature traces the historical development of professional nursing education schools in the United States from early 1800 training schools to teaching advanced nursing technology in 1992. A chronological approach involving both primary and secondary sources will be used to identify educational and developmental changes in administration, facilities, faculty positions and qualifications, curriculum, policies related to students and graduates, accreditation by the state of Indiana and the National League for Nursing, and the impact of religious-based program on student graduates.The historical research study will show the development of professional nursing education at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. The development of the baccalaureate degree curriculum was facilitated by its founders with a goal to enable the school to meet accreditation requirements.The findings indicated that professional nursing education at Marion College/Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, followed the average trend in the development of a baccalaureate of science degree in nursing in the United States. A strength was Marion College/Indiana Wesleyan University developed a nursing program that had a strong Christian, multicultural foundation. This theme was interwoven throughout the curriculum, the uniqueness of the program lay in its development when compared to other nursing programs in Indiana and across the nation.The nursing directors and faculty members contributed to the quality of the education that was offered to nursing students. The nursing program expanded in 1981, and a graduate program in community health nursing was offered. / School of Nursing