Concordia College has restructured its accelerated nursing program where students will earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree in 12 months. The new curriculum begins with 16 students in January 2023.
“We started the pandemic with a nursing shortage, and COVID made it worse,” said Rebecca Amundsen, executive director of Concordia’s Graduate & Continuing Studies program. “Concordia is excited to help rebuild the workforce and give our nation’s nurses some much needed help.”
The revamped program condensed and accelerated the curriculum by moving to a block class format in which each of three consecutive semesters is split in half. While the new program is an entire semester faster than the previous 18-month program, the college worked hard to maintain Concordia’s high-quality educational standards, said Dr. Steve Stapleton, department chair and professor of nursing.
“The 12-month curriculum design incorporates nursing knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences in a shorter time with fewer gaps between experiences,” Stapleton said. “That allows students to grasp the material more efficiently.”
Admission to the 12-month accelerated program is open to college graduates with a non-nursing baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution who also have completed the prerequisite courses. When enrolled, all clinical placements are included and scheduled for the students.
“One of the things that sets Concordia apart is that, through our strong partnerships, we place our students in a variety of settings, including a number of different hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics,” Amundsen said. “That experience is invaluable.”
After successfully completing the program, students are eligible to take the Nursing Candidate Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become an RN (Registered Nurse). Historically, 97% of Concordia College nursing graduates pass NCLEX-RN on their first attempt. They also meet the qualifications for public health nurse registration in Minnesota.
Concordia has a 100% job placement rate within one year of completing the program.
“Often students will have a job prior to graduation,” Stapleton said.
Registration is now open with classes beginning Jan. 11, 2023, and finishing Dec. 18, 2023.