DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake University has introduced a new accelerated nursing program that will "meet the dynamic interests of current and future students".
It comes while the U.S. is facing a nursing shortage. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the projected average number of yearly job openings for registered nurses is about 193,000 until 2032. In addition, 42 states will likely experience nursing shortages by 2030.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program will give students two pathways to complete the degree, with the possibility for a dual degree.
Under the new curriculum, students will complete prerequisites including biomedical, pharmaceutical and clinical science coursework.
If students have the prerequisites completed — with or without a Bachelor of Science Degree — they can start the 12-month ABSN course. Students who complete those prerequisites at Drake will graduate with dual degrees: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
“At Drake, we are committed to evolving our academic offerings to meet both student interests and societal needs,” said Drake University Provost Sue Mattison. “New pathways like the accelerated nursing program deliver on that promise and position the University—and our students—for the future.”
Nursing Program Director Mary Owens will lead the ABSN program, the newest step in her 30-year nursing career. Owens has previously worked at Mercy College of Health Sciences and DMACC Health Careers Academy.
With Owens' guidance, the ABSN program looks to fill a void in education, with the university saying there were more than 76,000 qualified nursing program applicants turned away nationwide because of a lack of space in 2021.
“We are in the midst of a massive shift in healthcare in the U.S. — leaning more heavily on nurses and nurse practitioners to deliver care and keep our communities healthy,” Owens said. “The ABSN is uniquely designed to prepare students to fill these needs and to pursue a meaningful career.”
Broadlawns will serve as the primary clinical rotation site for students during their year of ABSN coursework.