Future nurses gain fast track to bachelor's degree, license

The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2019) – Brandman University has welcomed its first class of students to a new program enabling learners to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees and become eligible to take the national licensing exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). The program is offered at the university's San Diego campus.

“Our program is designed to respect working adults’ time while helping them to fulfill their dream of becoming a nurse,” Dean Tyke Hanisch, DNP, said. “We are also known for having instructors who are working in the field, ensuring that teaching is consistent with current developments in nursing practice.”

Brandman plans to enroll three groups of student cohorts per year, with rolling admissions for students beginning classes in the fall, spring and summer trimesters. The ability to participate in a portion of the coursework online is a benefit for many students who have already started the program and are balancing their studies with existing family and work commitments.

“I feel this is a great fit for mothers and working adults,” student Nallely Freeman, a mother of five, said on the first day of class. “You can do a lot and still get an education.”

The median annual salary for registered nurses employed in the San Diego metropolitan area approaches $99,000 a year, according to data provided to the university by Economic Modeling, LLC (Emsi). The number of employed registered nurses in the region is expected to grow by nearly 13 percent over the 2016-26 time period.

By offering this new nursing degree program, Brandman will help care providers in San Diego and nearby communities meet future demands for highly-qualified nurses. Qualified graduates will be ready for the workforce soon, since the program is designed to help students finish within three years.

“If it’s accelerated, it keeps me on my toes,” said student Cynthia Vela, who works as a patient transporter in a San Diego County hospital and aspires to a career as a critical care or trauma nurse.

The California Board of Registered Nursing approved Brandman’s new nursing degree program in April. The university also offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for licensed RNs with their associate’s degree, as well as coursework leading to a Doctor of Nursing Practice with added nurse practitioner specialties in family health, and in psychiatric and mental health

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ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative programs and strong support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs. Brandman serves about 25,000 students at more than 25 campuses in California and Washington, as well as online. Brandman offers fully-online courses for students anywhere in the United States and for military personnel serving abroad. For additional information, visit the university’s website.

Media Contacts:

Terri M. Carbaugh, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs: carbaugh@brandman.edu

Andrew Edwards, Senior Multimedia News Writer: Edwards1@brandman.edu