Deciding to become a nurse is one of the first steps in your journey toward career success, but now you’re faced with finding a reputable nursing school to match your career endeavors and personal needs. If these aspirations come down to earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree in a timely manner, there are schools with programs that can help. Take for instance the ABSN@CTX. From granting you a quicker start to preparing you for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), here is a glimpse at what the Concordia Texas nursing school can offer you
1. Accessibility
The projected growth for registered nurses is expected to be 7% between 2019 and 2029, higher than the national average growth of all occupations combined. Yet, with this rise in demand, some students are finding it difficult to begin their education due to capacity issues. At Concordia, this is not an issue – with three starts dates per year, you can begin the program at a time that works best for you.
How soon you can start the ABSN@CTX depends on what classes you have previously completed. If a good majority of your classes are science related, you may have the opportunity to start the track sooner than most. That’s because there is no expiration date on science prerequisites. “Students can have a microbiology class from 10 years ago, and that can still count towards our track,” says Carley Leasure, ABSN Site Director.
2. Blended Learning Model
Concordia’s Accelerated BSN curriculum is designed to prepare you for a career in nursing in as few as 16 months. Spread across four, full-time semesters, you can expect to go through a rigorous blend of online and onsite instruction featuring:
Online Nursing Theory Coursework
Gone are the days you will attend class at a certain time and place; through Concordia’s online accelerated nursing coursework, the traditional textbook learning portion of your nursing education takes place wherever and whenever you want.
Instead of having to get dressed in the morning, drive somewhere, sit through a class, and then go home and study – I was able to complete everything on my own time, while still meeting deadlines.
Carlee Dodge, Accelerated BSN Graduate, Class of 2018
Hands-On Skills and Simulation Labs
Skills labs mirror the atmosphere of the hospital environment with cutting edge learning technology. Within skills lab, you’ll refine basic nursing skills, such as bed changes, hand washing, and various tube placements.
Simulation lab lets you practice your clinical skills in a risk-free environment, using high fidelity medical manikins, a simple task trainer, or even a classmate.
In-Hospital Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations are your time to shine as an accelerated nursing student. Taking place in your first semester, clinical rotations offer valuable experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Within each clinical, you’ll not only develop practical skills; you’ll learn how to interact with patients and network with notable healthcare professionals in a trusted hospital network.
3. Faith-Based Education
The Concordia Texas, nursing school mission, is to strengthen your ability to serve as a Christian leader. What does this mean for you? Assistant professor of the ABSN track, Robin Cook, sums it up quite nicely by saying, “Concordia looks at nursing as a vocation, as a calling from God. We’re here for the joy of serving others. We’re here to take care of God’s people. We do more than just physical care. We recognize the wholeness of every individual.”
Your time spent in the ABSN track will position you to exhibit qualities that go beyond the norm. Some of these characteristics include the following:
Upstanding character:
The term “What do you do when no one is looking?” best relates to a person’s character. The same applies to Christian nurse leaders. A nurse with upstanding character is caring, understanding, nonjudgmental, and empathetic. They are very humble and know how to choose the right path, even when the going gets tough.
Courage in all circumstances:
The best Christian nurse leaders have courage in times of doubt. This not only helps them make it through difficult situations but exemplifies comfort and relief to patients and their families.
Unwavering commitment and self-discipline:
No matter what circumstances lie ahead, Christian nurse leaders show an unwavering amount of dedication to their profession. They put the needs of others in front of theirs.
4. NCLEX Preparation
As you search for the right nursing program, it’s important that you choose one that places significant emphasis on NCLEX preparation. After all, without taking this test, you will not get the license to start your practice. Fortunately, the Concordia Texas nursing school has you covered.
“We spend a lot of time teaching students how to answer NCLEX related questions,” says Sandra Gaskin, Director of the ABSN Track. “These test questions are different and require a lot of thought – students don’t just memorize and regurgitate – they learn something, learn how to apply it, then decide on the best answer.
5. Accreditation
Concordia University’s baccalaureate degree track in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE); it meets the approval of the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) and the education standards set forth by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Graduating from an accredited nursing track, like Concordia’s, can also offer:
- Better employment opportunities
- Ability to pursue advanced studies post accelerated baccalaureate degree
- Ability to enter into teaching
Set Yourself Up for Success
As you can see, Concordia University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track has a lot to offer. If you’re serious about changing careers to become a registered nurse, it’s important to think about what you can offer as a nursing student.
If you’re looking to prepare for a gratifying career in nursing, contact an admissions counselor today.