Local nurses looking to further their education and take their careers to the next level now have access to a new 11-course Bachelor of Science in Nursing program being offered through National University at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons.

The National University BSN program, set to launch in June 2016, has been developed due to the increasing need for registered nurses across the state.

With the debut of this new accelerated program, students will now be able to develop the vital critical thinking, communication and therapeutic nursing skills needed to start a career in a much quicker time frame.

With a recently incorporated learning policy that awards up to 31.5 quarter units to students that have already passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, National University nursing students will be able to reduce the BSN program requirements from 18 courses to 11 courses.

For students who have already completed their general education requirements, the reduction of courses also shortens the length of time typically needed to complete the BSN program from 18 months to 11 months.

“We are so grateful for the long-standing relationship that our college has had with National University, which has resulted in this extended partnership to better support our nursing students,” said Omar Torres, Dean of the COC School of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Professions. “College of the Canyons is excited to partner with National University to provide our students with this expanded pathway opportunity.”

With the nursing industry constantly evolving, many employers now require a BSN for all entry-level positions.

Upon completion of the National University BSN program, students will receive a general bachelor’s degree that meets required industry standards, while allowing them the flexibility to go on and become specialized in any area of nursing they choose.

Graduates will also be able to pursue nursing opportunities in acute care, cardiology, oncology, neonatal, and more.

“National University is pleased to be offering innovative solutions for the communities we serve to help meet an urgent need in California for more registered nurses who hold a bachelor of science in nursing degree” said Dr. Gloria McNeal, Dean of the School of Health and Human Services at National University. “Our collaboration with the College of the Canyons offers students access to a quality, accelerated program that streamlines their career path and opens up specialization opportunities in the rapidly-expanding health care field.”

To be eligible to apply for the program prospective students must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and provide official transcripts from every college attended. Students must also provide the following materials with their application materials:

Proof of current, active, and unencumbered RN license in state of residence
Proof of current AHA Healthcare Provider BLS CPR certification card
Evidence of current, active professional liability and malpractice insurance coverage

For more information about the National University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program please contact Ryan McGill at (661) 362-5877 or Rmcgill@nu.edu. For general program questions please call (714) 429-5189 or e-mail RNCompletion@nu.edu.