Associate Degree to Baccalaureate Nursing Degree: Dual Enrollment in an Asynchronous Online Program.

BACKGROUND

Without formal collaboration with community colleges, a summer dual enrollment program was designed for associate degree in nursing (ADN) students to complete asynchronous online baccalaureate nursing (BSN) courses. The program aimed to reduce the time for BSN degree completion and increase the proportion and diversity of BSN nurses.

METHOD

Students enrolled in BSN courses during their ADN program completed up to seven courses during three summers, with seamless matriculation into the BSN program. A longitudinal study explored the demographics and experiences of students from 32 ADN programs.

RESULTS

There was greater diversity of dual-enrolled students compared with the RN workforce in the state. Students were satisfied with the program and were able to apply their BSN knowledge when completing their prelicensure courses; however, some found students faced challenges in financing their education.

CONCLUSION

The study and subsequent program growth demonstrated the feasibility of using this approach to engage ADN students earlier in their educational journey. .