CHICAGO (July 16, 2014) – Registered nurses looking to advance in their career can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) in just 15 months through Oak Point University’s Nursing Baccalaureate Program at Malcolm X College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, with enrollment now open for fall session courses.
“Many working nurses are juggling numerous personal responsibilities and are looking for practical—and cost effective—ways to increase their career opportunities and earning potential,” said Dr. Tyra Ousley, dean of nursing at City Colleges of Chicago. “The BSN program with Resurrection is helping meet the growing demand for further nursing education and today’s students need for flexibility and efficiency. The program also means that students completing an associate degree in nursing at City Colleges can simply stay put after graduation, and in 15 months, complete a bachelor’s degree.”
The Oak Point BSN for RNs program at Malcolm X College offers a curriculum designed for the working nurse, with a format that accommodates recent Associate Degree in Nursing program graduates as well as experienced nurses. The program is streamlined so that each cohort (typically a group of 10 students) begins and ends the program together, taking one class at a time that meets only once a week for seven weeks. There are a total of seven classes that must be completed. The contemporary curriculum builds on students’ current knowledge while developing new skills needed to advance in the nursing industry. Registration is currently open for the fall 2014 cohort of the Oak Point BSN for RNs program.
“Through a combination of online and classroom learning, students combine theory and clinical practice to prepare them for a successful nursing career,” said Oak Point University Dean of the College of Nursing and Chief Academic Officer Sandie Soldwisch, PhD, APN, ANP-BC.Cheron Massonburg, a registered nurse and single mother from Chicago’s West Side, is one of the many students who is currently benefitting from this unique educational opportunity.
Massonburg is seeking a BSN through the program while working part-time as a nurse at a long-term healthcare facility, and also holding a full-time management position at a Chicagononprofit organization. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Malcolm X College inMay 2013 and was inspired to continue her education at the baccalaureate level after learning about the Malcolm X-Oak Point program.
“Earning a BSN will help me develop my professional skills,” said Massonburg, “As floor nurses,we sometimes forget there’s a professional side to nursing, so getting into this program for me, was divine!”
Massonburg will be the first in her immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree when her cohort ends in May 2015.
Classes are taught at Malcolm X College by a Oak Point University College of Nursing faculty member who travels to the campus each week for the cohort. “It was less intimidating going to school at Malcolm X, as opposed to having to go to a big university, in a class with 60 studentsand not having that one-on-one time with the faculty,” added Massonburg, “So far, the program has been a great experience, and the short travel time during my busy week is great.”
The Future of Nursing Campaign for Action, backed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundationand the AARP, advocates for RNs to further enhance their career potential by continuing along the path toward earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. The Oak Point BSN for RNs program at Malcolm X College was created to assist in this transition.
For admissions and registration information, contact the Office of Admissions at Oak Point, 773.252.6464.
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