January 31, 2011

Johns Hopkins Nursing welcomes first cohort of BS to MSN students

Seven students are marking a new chapter in Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing academic program history this month. The seven comprise the first cohort of the Accelerated BS to MSN with Paid Clinical Residency program.

“This unique and rewarding opportunity allows students to not only earn their baccalaureate degree but also gain the valuable experience of a paid residency, and then advance to pursue a master’s degree in nursing,” said Sandra Angell, associate dean for student affairs.

The new Accelerated BS to MSN with Paid Clinical Residency offers students a streamlined course of study to prepare as a clinical nurse specialist. The program requires a commitment of 34 months. Students will first enroll in a one-year Accelerated Baccalaureate Program, during which they will take up to 12 graduate-level credits along with their baccalaureate-level course work. Upon receiving their Bachelor of Science degree with a major in nursing as well as their RN license, students will complete a one-year residency—a full-time paid position as an inpatient nurse—at a Johns Hopkins–affiliated hospital in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area.

Following the residency, students will continue to work in the full-time position while undertaking a part-time master’s course of study. After 36 graduate credit hours and more than 500 clinical hours, graduates will be positioned to improve care through bedside practice, evidence-based specialty practice and quality improvement initiatives. As clinical nurse specialists, they also will be qualified to serve as clinical faculty for future nursing students.

For more information about the program, go to the School of Nursing website, nursing.jhu.edu.