Inaugural class of accelerated nursing program graduates

09/02/2011 5:54 PM

By Tim Belter ’13

Bradley University celebrated the graduation of its inaugural accelerated nursing class during a Senior Recognition Ceremony on August 12. The four graduates, Whitney Mackie, Rebecca Reznick, Johnathon Stephens and Sarah Cross White, began a rigorous 15-month, 45-credit hour program in May 2010.

The accelerated nursing program started in 2010 for students who had already achieved a bachelor’s degree in another field, but had expressed a desire to change careers and become nurses. The program also addresses the nursing shortage affecting the health care industry by quickly educating new nurses while still giving them access to a complete nursing curriculum.

“It is a full experience in the nursing department,” said Dr. Fran Armmer, chair of the nursing department. The program is accelerated, but the classes are unabridged, and the students have access to all the resources other Bradley students enjoy. Seven more students began the program in May 2011 and will graduate in August 2012.

The Senior Recognition Ceremony was held in the Founders’ Room and Bradley President Joanne Glasser attended to congratulate the graduates on their accomplishments. Also in attendance were the graduates; their family and friends; nursing faculty and emeritus faculty; Dr. Joan Sattler, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences; and Dr. David Glassman, provost and vice president for academic affairs.