Today, there is high demand for nurses. Many individuals are now changing careers to meet this demand. But can someone already with a bachelor’s degree become a nurse without doing four more years? Absolutely. This is the exact situation Kimber Powers, a current ABSN student at Concordia University Wisconsin, was facing.
What is the ABSN program?
Concordia Wisconsin’s Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) program is made for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are ready to transition their career into nursing. The 14-month program combines online and in-person classes on our Mequon campus.
The program is geared towards giving you the skills you need to hit the ground running as a registered nurse. You will have hands-on experience with clinicals at Milwaukee area hospitals. When you graduate you will be ready to take on your new career.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, student Kimber Powers, found her passion to become a nurse and is now almost finished with Concordia’s ABSN program. Let’s hear about her experience.
Why did you choose to enroll in your nursing degree at Concordia University Wisconsin?
I chose to enroll at CUW after my positive experience with faculty and the community throughout the completion of my initial undergraduate degrees. The faculty are very supportive, and intentional. They truly care about my success and push me to be at my best. The small faculty-to-student ratio allows for individualized feedback on both strengths and weaknesses, which pushes me to do my best and inspires my when I have low motivation.
Would you recommend your program to others and why?
I would highly recommend this program to anyone who has graduated and wants to transition into the nursing field from a different field. This program is unique in that you complete the program in 14 months. It is flexible with work schedules and home life due to blended online and in-person learning and covers all needed textbooks and materials for the program within the tuition cost.
What are you hoping to do with your degree when you finish?
I am hoping to work as a bedside nurse for a few years. Then go back to school to become a Nurse Practitioner.
What advice would you give an individual contemplating a nursing degree?
The advice I would give would be to head into the program knowing it will be both intense and difficult, but you will make it through with plenty of support along the way and a rewarding career at the end.
What are a few challenges you encountered as a nursing student?
Some challenges I encountered were having a busy schedule between online classes, work, and clinicals, getting back into the flow of school after not having classes for a year, and remembering to focus on myself throughout the program. It is crazy to think I am almost to graduation when it feels like our cohort just started last month.
What are the greatest benefits of CUW’s nursing programs?
The relationships you build with other students and faculty, the supportive and accepting learning community, and the connections and good reputation you build in clinical experiences within the surrounding area.
What motivated/supported you through our program?
Knowing I will have a rewarding career ahead of me upon graduation, leaning on my fellow classmates and faculty for support, and my dog.
What is your advice to future students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to learn throughout this program because the time will go QUICK. Before you know it you’ll be walking across the stage at graduation and preparing to take your boards.
Want to become a nurse?
If you have your bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but want to become a nurse in 14 months, we have your back. Check out more information about our program below.