Accelerated BSN Program expands

Accelerated nursing students organize and host a health fair for TCU employees.

Fort Worth, TX

5/10/2010

By: Claire Cannan, Schieffer School of Journalism

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program expanded this spring, with a record enrollment of 64 students. The new group started this May and students will graduate in August 2011, having completed the curriculum in 15 months.

This fast-paced program is intended to prepare previously degreed individuals for a rapid entry into professional nursing practice without compromising educational standards or the quality of nursing graduates.

In 2004, the program began with 20 students. Recently, the program has grown, with 47 students starting last spring. The expansion is exciting for the program because it gives more individuals an opportunity to begin their chosen career in a short period of time, according to program coordinator Lynnette Howington, RN MSN.

The majority of students in the TCU accelerated program are considered “second- degree students” meaning they have already earned a degree in another discipline, usually worked in that discipline, and then decided to pursue nursing.

According to Howington, the primary reason second-degree students choose this 15-month accelerated program is because they are able to enter the nursing field more quickly.

“A challenge this year will be to help 64 students feel like a small group and get the whole ‘TCU experience’,” Howington said. “Faculty members enjoy getting to know their students as individuals, helping make their experience at TCU as personable as possible. This year, we are able to have groups of eight in the hospital setting. This allows faculty to interact more closely with the students.”

Students in this fast-paced program learn more than nursing. In the accelerated program, they develop skills such as team-building, interpersonal communication, and conflict resolution.

“As our economy changes and the Baby Boomer generation begins to retire, the demand for nurses will be continue to be high,” Howington concludes. “TCU’s accelerated BSN program is one way to increase the number of nurses available to help meet this demand.”

On the Web: TCU Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences
www.harriscollege.tcu.edu

For more information on the program, visit www.nursing.tcu.edu/accelerated.asp