Franciscan Missionaries School of Nursing will enroll another cohort for its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for Spring 2024.
Until now, the program has only enrolled for the Fall semester and is looking to enroll 24 students in the new Spring cohort.
The Accelerated BSN program allows students who already have an earned bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing to earn a BSN in 16 months, following completion of required prerequisites. The ABSN builds on the student's foundation in the arts and sciences to form self-directed nurse generalists prepared to assume leadership roles in the delivery of evidence-based nursing care. The ABSN program develops professional nurses within an educational climate of honesty, respect, inquiry, service and collaboration.
Amy Hall, school of nursing dean, said that the accelerated program has had amazing outcomes and that 100% of graduates have passed NCLEX-RN and have found employment before they graduate.
She said that expanding the enrollment in this program has multiple benefits. "This program allows our graduates to complete their nursing degree in 16 months and enter the workforce much sooner than a traditional student. A career in nursing provides high earning potential, job security, flexibility, professional development and the ability to work in various work environments. Every day in nursing is different, challenging, demanding and rewarding. Nurses have the opportunity to help people at times when they need aid the most and are strong advocates for those they care for."
She also stated that increasing enrollment would positively impact the community. "Admitting two cohorts a year will double the number of nursing graduates we have from this program every year, which will provide twice as many highly qualified nurses to the nursing workforce, ultimately helping alleviate the nursing shortage."
Qualified students are eligible to apply for the San Damiano Sponsorship, which provides stipends for nursing students while they are attending FranU in exchange for a work commitment within the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady health system.
The application date for the spring 2024 accelerated cohort will be August 1. Students will need to enroll in FranU at least one to two semesters prior to starting clinicals in the Spring to complete prerequisites. More information can be found here.