INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS

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INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NURSING WILL OFFER BSN DEGREE IN A NEW 18-MONTH, ACCELERATED OPTION

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana University School of Nursing (IUSON) at IUPUI will offer its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in a new format beginning in May, 2002. The 18-month, accelerated BSN mobility option is designed for college graduates who already hold bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields.

"For several years, we have received inquiries from prospective students who hold bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing but who are interested in changing careers and becoming nurses," reports Sharon Farley, IUSON's executive associate dean for academic affairs. "To address the needs and career goals of these individuals, we have established the accelerated BSN mobility option. Graduates will be eligible to take the nursing license examination and enter the nursing workforce more quickly."

Donna Boland, associate dean of the school's undergraduate programs, anticipates the inaugural class will consist of 15-30 students who have completed the majority of their general education requirements prior to entering the program. "To the extent possible, we will transfer credits from courses successfully completed by students while earning their first bachelor's degree to fulfill the general education requirements of our program," adds Boland.

The accelerated option is based on a full-time plan of study emphasizing health promotion, maintaining maximum levels of wellness, and regaining health after health crises in individuals and families. The clinical experience will focus on both hospital and community-based nursing. "Students will work with nursing faculty and expert nurse preceptors in some of the finest health care facilities in Indiana," Boland notes.

Farley hopes the accelerated option will also help address the increasing shortage of registered nurses in Indiana. "Our goal is to graduate nurses who are critical thinkers, effective communicators, and knowledgeable practitioners. We will educate students to provide conscientious nursing care to individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds and to serve as responsible managers who balance human and financial resources to achieve quality health care outcomes."

The Indiana University School of Nursing is committed to improving the health of the citizens of Indiana, the nation, and beyond by addressing society's need for effective nurses. For more information about the school and its programs visit the IUSON Web site at http://nursing.iupui.edu, where students may also apply on-line. Interested students may also call (317) 274-2806 for more information.

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