Union County Review

Kean University is now accepting applications for its latest undergraduate nursing degree program, which enables students to earn their bachelor’s degree and qualify as registered nurses (RNs) within three years. Classes for the new Pre-Licensure Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) program will commence this Fall at Kean's main campus in Union.

“The program is designed to propel aspiring nurses into the profession in just three years,” said Kean Assistant Professor Chrysanthe Patestos, Ph.D. “Students will earn 120 credits in that period of time, which includes taking summer courses. They can be working as nurses in about half the time it takes for students who enter the field by earning their RN first, then pursuing a bachelor’s degree separately.”

Patestos highlighted that Kean’s Department of Nursing developed the program to address two significant issues in healthcare: a nursing shortage and a lack of diversity within the nursing workforce.

“Our Prelicensure BSN program answers the nursing profession’s call to add to the number and diversity of the nursing workforce in a very innovative way,” Patestos said. “Our program places a strong emphasis on holistic nursing education, ensuring a focus on student support from admission through graduation. We are committed to breaking down barriers to success, particularly for students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in the field of nursing.”

She also noted that most hospitals require RNs to obtain their bachelor’s degree within a specific timeframe after being hired. “RNs who already have their BSN are more marketable when they enter the workforce,” Patestos added.

The Prelicensure BSN program has received provisional accreditation from the New Jersey Board of Nursing, which is standard for all new programs until they become eligible for full accreditation. Full accreditation eligibility occurs after the first cohort graduates and achieves a pre-established pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.

Summer studies are mandatory throughout all three years, with clinical immersion in healthcare settings following years two and three. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to take the licensing exam and join the workforce.

The program is open to students without prior nursing degrees or those transferring from another college or different programs within Kean University.

For further information, visit the Prelicensure BSN program's webpage or check out other nursing programs at Kean's Department of Nursing webpage.

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