New accelerated BSN degree to meet workforce demand in $97 billion health care industry in Nashville
New program may be completed in just 16 months, in a hybrid format providing a convenient and accelerated pathway to a career in nursing.
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University is launching a new degree program that provides an accelerated pathway to a career in nursing to help meet workforce demand in the $97 billion health care industry in Nashville. Lipscomb’s new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is one of the few of its kind in Tennessee.
Nursing is the nation's largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.7 million Registered Nurses (RNs) nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections, the Registered Nursing workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade. An American Association of Colleges of Nursing study shows that 72 percent of employers want BSN-prepared nurses and that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors and positive outcomes are the result of nurses prepared at the baccalaureate level (2022).
Lipscomb’s Accelerated BSN is designed to address the growing demand for highly qualified nurses in the healthcare industry. This innovative program allows students with a bachelor's degree or higher in another field to earn a BSN in just 16 months through a hybrid format, combining online and in-person learning components.
“For more than 130 years, health sciences education has been a vital component of Lipscomb University’s academic program. One of the ways we serve this community is by producing highly trained professionals who are filling workforce needs in the Nashville area,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “Our new Accelerated BSN program exemplifies this commitment by enabling individuals to transition into nursing more quickly while maintaining the high standards of our traditional nursing program.”
Lipscomb’s Accelerated BSN program aims to prepare students to deliver quality, holistic patient care in Nashville, the nation's healthcare capital, and beyond. Lipscomb's nursing program is known for its high first-time NCLEX pass rates, consistently exceeding state and national standards. The ABSN program upholds these standards, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the critical thinking, clinical skills, and compassionate care required in the nursing profession.
“With the Accelerated BSN program, we are opening doors for more individuals to join the most trusted profession in America," said Chelsia Harris, executive director of Lipscomb’s School of Nursing. “Our program is designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul of both students and patients, providing a Christ-centered environment that promotes academic success and character development.”
Lipscomb’s nursing graduates are highly sought after, with 100% of graduates working in healthcare careers. The university's strong partnerships with over 30 clinical sites, including Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, National Healthcare Corporation, Ascension and HCA Healthcare provide students with diverse and practical clinical experiences. Most Lipscomb nursing students secure jobs prior to graduation.
“There is a huge demand for nurses in the healthcare industry, and more students are looking for flexible options to pursue a nursing degree,” said Jessica Darnell, chief nursing officer at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. “Lipscomb University's Accelerated BSN program offers the perfect balance of meeting the nursing demand in a way that works for students. The result will be well-prepared, compassionate nurses who are ready to lead and meet the growing need to serve our community.”
Classes will begin in August. Find more information here or email nursing [at] lipscomb.edu (nursing[at]lipscomb[dot]edu).
About Lipscomb University’s School of Nursing
Housed in Lipscomb University’s College of Health Sciences, the School of Nursing offers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Baccalaureate nursing program at Lipscomb University located in Nashville, Tennessee, is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the baccalaureate nursing program is Continuing Accreditation. Graduates have a 100% job placement rate upon graduation and the May 2023 cohort has a 100% first-time NCLEX Pass Rate. Lipscomb’s nursing school is ranked in the top 10 in Tennessee by NursingSchoolHub.com. For more information visit www.lipscomb.edu/nursing.