Curriculum innovation in an accelerated BSN program: the ACE Model

Int J Nurs Educ Scholarsh. 2008:5:Article1. doi: 10.2202/1548-923X.1447. Epub 2008 Jan 30.

Abstract

As the demand for registered nurses continues to rise, so too has the creation of accelerated baccalaureate nursing programs for second-degree students. This article describes an 11-month Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) Nursing Program's innovative curriculum design, which has a heavy emphasis on technology, professional socialization, and the use of a standardized patient experience as a form of summative evaluation. In addition, challenges of this program are presented. Since 2002, the ACE Program has graduated over 500 students with an average first-time NCLEX pass rate of 95-100%. Although the number of graduates from accelerated programs does not solve the severe nursing shortage, the contributions of these intelligent, assertive, pioneering graduates are important for health care.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Career Choice
  • Curriculum
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / organization & administration*
  • Education, Professional, Retraining / organization & administration*
  • Educational Measurement*
  • Female
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Educational
  • Nursing
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Workforce