Fortis Offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Program to Florida Students

Accelerated BSN Program Available at Cutler Bay, Largo Campuses

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Dec 07, 2011, 08:30 ET

BALTIMORE, Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis now offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated Program) degree at two Florida campuses – Fortis College, Cutler Bay and Fortis College, Largo. The accelerated BSN program at Fortis is open to students who already have a bachelor, associate or related higher degree along with certain required educational prerequisites.

Fortis is now enrolling candidates who wish to become professional nurses and future leaders in the nursing profession for classes that are scheduled to begin in April. The new program is designed to provide them accelerated progress toward the BSN degree by transferring applicable education courses from their previous degree program. Upon completing the Fortis BSN program, graduates will be qualified to sit for the licensure exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

"The introduction of an accelerated BSN at two Fortis College campuses in Florida marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide the advanced nursing degrees required to address critical shortages in the state and elsewhere," said Robert L. Anders, Dr. PH, CS, CNAA, FAAN, vice president of nursing for Fortis. "The program also demonstrates our commitment to enhance already strong educational credentials so that Fortis nurses always meet the highest healthcare standards."

"The health of our nation relies upon competent nurses capable of providing a high quality of care," noted President Dale Weiberg of Fortis College, Largo. "Fortis campuses give nursing candidates a broad-based education and holistic focus that prepares them to become the next generation of providers on which our future healthcare system will be built."

"Our campus is specifically designed to offer a premier nursing school," added Denyse Antunes, area manager and president of Fortis College, Cutler Bay. "The comprehensive nursing simulation labs and support services that are in place help promote excellent student outcomes and is a demonstration of Fortis' commitment to using technology to train nurses."

With more than 100,000 nursing positions currently vacant in the United States and a forecast by the Journal of the American Medical Association for a shortage of 800,000 nurses by 2020, now is an excellent time to embark on a career in nursing. As one of the largest nursing education systems in the U.S., Fortis has enrolled more than 4,000 nursing students nationwide and operates 20 nursing campuses in 10 states.

Fortis Colleges and Institutes have received international recognition for their leadership in using simulation technology to educate nursing students. As a leading nursing education provider, Fortis campuses are creating strong learning environments for students who will become tomorrow's nurses.

"Our campuses offer small classes that allow personalized attention, schedules that fit students' lifestyles, and frequent start dates with no long waiting lists," said Jay Ober, Ph.D., National Director of Nursing Operations & Regional Dean of Nursing for Fortis. "We are especially proud of our well-equipped facilities and fully integrated nursing labs that are incorporated into one of the largest network of simulation programs used to train nurses outside of those of the U.S. military."

About Fortis College, Largo
Fortis College, Largo prepares individuals to enter the fields of Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical X-Ray, Medical Billing/Coding, HVAC & Refrigeration, Cosmetology and Health Information Technology. For available programs and schedules, call the campus at 727-531-5900 to speak with an admissions counselor.

About Fortis College, Cutler Bay
Fortis College, Cutler Bay offers programs in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated Program), Associate Degree in Nursing, and a diploma program in Electronic Systems Technology (EST). Day and evening classes are offered and faculty and staff are fully bilingual to meet the multi-cultural needs of Miami-Dade county students. For more information about the campus, call 786-345-5300.

About Fortis
A leading post-secondary network of colleges and institutes that engages students in a powerful learning and training experience for lifelong growth, Fortis offers career-based certificate, diploma and degree-granting programs at more than 40 schools in 15 states. Fortis prepares students for success with career-focused education in a variety of fields including nursing, health care, business and technology and various skilled trades. Fortis also offers online learning platforms for many of its programs. Each Fortis campus is accredited by a nationally recognized body. Program offerings and accreditations vary by campus. Fortis is affiliated with the Denver School of Nursing, St. Paul's School of Nursing, All State Career School and Tri-State Institute.

Visit www.fortis.edu to learn more about Fortis educational opportunities.

SOURCE Fortis