Accelerated Nursing program continues to thrive

The College of Health Profession's (CHP) Accelerated Nursing program continues to attract a diverse group of individuals who have one thing in common: the desire to be the best nurse possible in the shortest time possible.

The current enrollment consists of about 80 students who move through the program together.  Following this cohort model, students have the opportunity for cohesion as they all work toward the same endeavor.

As baby boomers age, the need for health care providers grows and while some nursing schools struggle to enroll students, CHP's Accelerated Nursing program is in its sixth cohort this school year. It is one answer to the nationwide nursing shortage as students receive their BSN in 12 months versus four years.

Assistant Professor of Nursing and Chair of the Second Degree Option program John Knisely explains that student interest trends toward the accelerated track rather than the traditional track as professionals rethink the benefits of an in-demand nursing career.

With 18-20 credits each semester, lectures two or three days a week, volumes of reading and clinical rotations for the remainder evenings and weekends, students live and breathe their Accelerated Nursing coursework 24/7.

"We're attracting people who have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. The average age range of the students is 30-35 years with men making up about 10-15 percent," says Knisely.

The students' varied backgrounds represent countries from faraway places such as Madagascar, China and Poland. According to Knisely, UDM appeals to foreign students who have prior experience with Catholic institutions and want that association again. In some situations, Accelerate Nursing students were dentists or physicians in their home countries and have had difficulty getting licensed in the United States.  Their pursuit of nursing is the reasonable entree into the health care field. 

"I like working with the diversity of people who are attracted to this program. They are highly motivated," says Knisely.  "We are turning out an extremely well qualified nurse. I hear a lot from graduates about how well-prepared they are."

In addition to being motivated, the students clearly need to be dedicated and determined to successfully maintain and retain this fast-paced but rewarding learning experience.