The demand for nurses continues to be at the forefront within healthcare and many higher education institutions. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is expected to rise 15 percent from 2016 to 2036. “To address the impending nursing shortage not only in Wisconsin, but across the nation, Marian University has developed a three-year undergraduate nursing program aimed at providing students the same quality instruction and the ability to earn their degree faster than their peers in order to enter the workforce sooner,” stated Dr. Katie Hughes, director of Marian’s Undergraduate Nursing program. Marian nursing graduates are employed or attending graduate school within 1 year of graduation. They not only enjoy a rewarding lifelong career, but are also meeting the needs of the growing community.
The three-year BSN program will be launching in the fall of 2019. The inaugural class of 20 students will enter in to Marian’s nursing program that includes pre-requisite, general education, clinical experiences, and nursing courses in 15-week sessions that include two summer sessions. Students graduating from Marian’s three-year nursing program will be prepared to take the National Council Licensures Examination.
Students will be individually advised about the opportunity to apply to the three-year nursing program annually in October, and they will learn if they are admitted into the program in November. “This program provides students and families the opportunity to graduate one year earlier and enter the workplace earlier, earning a salary before their peers, and ultimately begin having an impact on communities and patients in need,” said Megan Liptow, director of freshman admission.
Whether in the traditional programs or the 3-year program, Marian students will be able to build a strong community among their peers and gain experience in both theory and practice in a supportive learning environment.