Rasmussen College Launches Accelerated Entrance Options for Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college, today announced the launch of two accelerated entrance options for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at its Bloomington and Mankato, Minn. campuses. The Rasmussen College BSN degree program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), is immediately available with the accelerated pre-licensure entrance options that are designed for students who are committed to the nursing profession and eager to launch their careers as quickly as possible. The accelerated entrance options also help fill a significant need for registered nurses with bachelor's degrees in Minnesota. Classes are expected to begin in January.

"We are thrilled to offer two accelerated BSN entrance options in Minnesota and help students fulfill their dreams of becoming registered nurses at an accelerated pace," said Dr. Joan Rich, vice president of the School of Nursing at Rasmussen College. "At Rasmussen College, we work closely with our business and community partners to understand their current healthcare needs and employment demands. We know the accelerated entrance options for our BSN degree will allow dedicated, driven students the opportunity to get into the nursing profession quickly while also positively impacting the Twin Cities and Mankato communities."

High Demand for RNs with Bachelor's Degrees in Minnesota

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends the proportion of working RNs with bachelor's degrees increases to 80 percent by 2020 in order to meet the needs of an aging population and the evolving healthcare system across the U.S. According to labor analytics firm Burning Glass, there were around 6,500 job postings over the past year in Minnesota for RNs with a bachelor's degree. When compared to the number of job postings just five years ago – around 2,400 – the demand for registered nurses with bachelor's degrees has grown nearly 170 percent statewide. Rasmussen College joins three other higher education institutions in Minnesota who the American Association of Colleges of Nursing identified in 2015 as offering an accelerated entrance option for its BSN degree to non-nursing college graduates. 

"The Rasmussen College BSN degree program includes innovative, in-depth courses and hands-on clinical and simulation experiences which provide essential elements of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice – training that's necessary to ensure students graduate ready to provide quality care as part of a professional team," said Robert Muster, regional dean of nursing, Rasmussen College. "Upon graduation, students will also be fully prepared to sit for the national licensure exam (NCLEX – RN)."

Two Accelerated Pre-Licensure Entrance Options

Second Degree Entrance Option
The Second Degree Entrance Option is a pre-licensure track that may be completed in as few as 18 months.* Candidates for this option currently hold a bachelor's degree in any field of study and are now looking to complete their BSN.   

Standard Entrance Option
The Standard Entrance Option is a pre-licensure track that may be completed in as few as 33 months.* Candidates for this option do not currently hold a bachelor's degree. Students who enroll in the BSN program through the Standard Entrance Option are also eligible for the College's Flex Choice^® Credit by Assessment, which allows them to complete some of their general education courses through optional, online self-directed assessments at a more affordable cost.

RN to BSN Entrance Option
Rasmussen College also offers a fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Entrance Option. This post-licensure option is designed for registered nurses who have obtained their RN degree through an associate's degree program (or diploma and/or certificate) and are looking to advance their nursing careers by obtaining a degree from a CCNE-accredited program. The RN to BSN entrance option may be completed in as few as 12 months.*  

To learn more about the accelerated entrance options for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree now being offered at the Rasmussen College Bloomington and Mankato campuses, please visit http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/accelerated-bsn-second/ or http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/accelerated-bsn-standard/.

*Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and courses completed each term.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE):
One Dupont Circle NW | Suite 530 | Washington, DC 20036 
202-887-6791 | www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation.

ABOUT RASMUSSEN COLLEGE:
Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation that is dedicated to changing lives through high-demand educational programs and public service. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate's and bachelor's degrees online and across its 22 Midwest and Florida campuses in a supportive, student-centered and career-focused environment. Since 1900, Rasmussen College has been dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Rasmussen College is committed to helping change lives through education and making a positive impact on society through public service and a variety of community-based initiatives. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit www.rasmussen.edu.

Contact: Molly Andersen
Phone: 952-844-5647
Mobile: 903-920-4366
Email: [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121105/MM06109LOGO

SOURCE Rasmussen College

Related Links

http://www.rasmussen.edu