FLORENCE– The waning global Covid-19 pandemic illustrated not just the need for more nurses and healthcare providers but the value of educating them to take on patient care at the bedside. In response to the ongoing nursing shortage, the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions has adapted its accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to include a hybrid mode of delivery so nursing students can manage the course load as well as their personal lives.
“We believe it is our professional duty to engage in creative thinking as we assist our clinical partners in minimizing the nursing shortage gap while maintaining academic excellence,” said Dr. Tera Kirkman, Interim Dean of ACONHP. “The accelerated BSN is one track to achieving this goal. Students who have a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than nursing and are seeking a career change will be a great fit for this track.”
The hybrid mode of delivery has shifted the lecture portion of the course work to be 100 percent online. The clinical course work will remain face-to-face and meet all standards set by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Alabama Board of Nursing.
“The hybrid format allows flexibility of the students’ time by having the lecture time all online,” said Dr. Clarissa Hall, Chair of the Undergraduate Programs in the ACONHP. “The clinical portion includes time in the hospital setting and in our state-of-the-art simulation lab. These students typically work to support a family or have more commitments than a traditional prelicensure nurse.”
While the 15-month program is rigorous, the hybrid format provides an option for those seeking to advance their nursing careers. Students who have completed all general education courses are eligible to apply for this option.
Media Release/Michelle R. Eubanks
Director
University Media and Public Relations
