St. Cloud State University announced the introduction of an accelerated program that makes it possible for anyone with a bachelor's degree * in any field * to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing in 16 months. The program prepares graduates to take the exam for licensure as registered nurses (RNs) in the state of Minnesota.
Classes in the accelerated program, limited to 16 students, will begin in August 2006 for graduation in December 2007. A new class will be admitted every other year. Application deadline for the charter class is Feb. 1.
The program, which blends classroom instruction, online courses, simulated learning laboratory and clinical practice, is designed to build on previous knowledge and learning experiences. Nursing science faculty members point out that college graduates already know how to be successful students, making them good candidates for a "fast-track" program.
"These students will be different from traditional college students," says Assistant Professor of Nursing Science Mary Hoenig. Many will say "I've always wanted to be in nursing" or "I've decided to change careers because I want to make a difference." Others will be interested because of an experience, such as the illness of a relative, which has shown them the value of a career in the health care profession.
Complete details and application materials can be found at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/nursing/accel.asp or call 320-308-4064 or 320-308-1749. St. Cloud State University also continues to offer a traditional baccalaureate nursing program, which had its first cohort graduate in May 2004. The university's nursing program was developed in cooperation with the greater community, including St. Cloud Hospital, HealthPartners, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and other regional healthcare industry partners.
St. Cloud State University undergraduate and graduate degrees balance strong liberal arts programs and foundations with specialized career preparation. The university offers approximately 14,500 students more than 175 majors, minors and pre-professional programs in Business, Education, Fine Arts and Humanities, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences, and 50 master's degrees through its School of Graduate Studies.