Johnson & Wales University Launches Accelerated Nursing Program

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Nursing students engaged in practical training at Johnson & Wales University.

News Summary

Johnson & Wales University has announced the accreditation of its accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program by the CCNE, aimed at addressing Rhode Island’s nursing shortage. Set to launch in fall, the program enables students with a Bachelor of Science degree to complete their nursing education in just 16 months while providing hands-on learning and clinical experiences. Interest in the program is high, with nearly 200 applications for only 32 spots. The inaugural cohort achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, reflecting the program’s quality in training future nursing professionals.

Providence, Rhode Island – Johnson & Wales University (JWU) has officially announced the accreditation of its accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). This program, set to launch in the fall, aims to address the critical nursing shortages facing Rhode Island and the broader healthcare workforce.

Designed for those who already hold a Bachelor of Science degree, the program allows students to complete their nursing education in just 16 months. To qualify, applicants must meet several prerequisites, including courses in anatomy, physiology, general chemistry, developmental psychology, nutrition, and statistics. The initiative promises an innovative educational experience through hands-on learning in a simulation lab equipped with high-fidelity mannequins, allowing students to practice essential nursing skills such as listening to heartbeats, administering IVs, and taking blood pressure.

The program will incorporate clinical experiences, ensuring that participants gain valuable real-world health care experience that is critical to their development as professional nurses. This comprehensive curriculum will include topics such as telehealth, maternal and child health care, pediatrics, community health, mental health, and medical-surgical nursing.

The need for such programs has been growing, particularly considering Rhode Island’s ongoing nursing shortage. A report from the Rhode Island Department of Health in 2021 indicated that around 3,000 registered nursing positions could remain unfilled by the year 2030. JWU’s accelerated nursing program aims to help meet this rising demand as the healthcare sector continues to face challenges exacerbated by the ongoing public health situation.

Interest in the program has been substantial, with nearly 200 applications received for the 32 available spots, highlighting the urgent need for trained nursing professionals in the region. The inaugural cohort of the program achieved an impressive 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), reflecting the quality of education and training provided by JWU.

According to the dean of the College of Health and Wellness at JWU, the accreditation signifies the program’s commitment to academic excellence and highlights its potential impact on addressing healthcare workforce needs in Rhode Island. This initiative is vital, not only for aspiring nurses but for the future of healthcare in the state as it seeks to bolster its nursing workforce.

In summary, the newly accredited accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program at Johnson & Wales University represents a significant step towards fulfilling the urgent demand for qualified nurses in Rhode Island. With its robust curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and a focus on real-world healthcare challenges, the program is poised to train the next generation of nursing professionals to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare landscape.