The University of North Dakota’s College of Nursing is exploring establishing an accelerated post-baccalaureate nursing program. The program would be open to students who have completed a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing and would prepare them to become a registered nurse. We are investigating potential interest in such a program through this survey.

This degree would help you achieve professional advancement and personal enrichment. There are many opportunities for full and part-time work in nursing. Due to an increasing number of baby boomers now developing health care needs, the federal government predicts exceptional employment opportunities for nurses into the foreseeable future. In fact, it is projected that there will be a shortage nationwide of an estimated one million nurses by the year 2020.

The academic degree offered through successfully completing this program would be either a baccalaureate or master’s degree. Either program would prepare the graduate to function as a registered nurse, not an advanced practice nurse. The program leading to a baccalaureate degree, lasting approximately 16 months, would be intense and require full-time study. If the program is designed to lead to a master’s degree, it would be equally intense and also require full-time study. This master’s curriculum would last approximately 2 years. Because either of these programs (baccalaureate or master’s) would be offered year round and students enrolled would carry heavy credit loads, course work could be completed in less time than students enrolled in traditional programs. Much of the class and clinical work would require the student be in the Grand Forks area, but some classes would be offered online.

Experience in healthcare is not required to be admitted into this program or to be successful in it. Students will receive all the experience they need as they progress through the curriculum. Approximately 1050 hours of clinical learning experience will be provided in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, and community health agencies. If funded, we hope to begin accepting applications for the program in the summer 2008 and to initiate the program in either the spring or summer of 2009. Students will be required to complete certain pre-requisites courses prior to starting the program.

If you are interested in possibly enrolling in an accelerated post-baccalaureate nursing program at UND, please complete the following survey. The survey is anonymous. It will take 5-10 minutes to complete. You have the option of including your contact information if you want more information about the planning of the program, but there will be no connection between your name and your responses to the survey. If we write a report or article about this program, we will describe the survey results in a summarized manner so that you cannot be identified. The data from this survey will be stored in a locked cabinet for a minimum of 3 years before being destroyed. Your participation is entirely voluntary. Your decision whether or not to participate will not affect your current or future relations with the University of North Dakota. There are no foreseeable risks and no costs for completing this survey. The records of this survey will be kept private to the extent permitted by law. The results of this survey may be reviewed by Government agencies, the UND Research Development and Compliance office, and the University of North Dakota Institutional Review Board. The information you provide us will be helpful as we move forward with program development.