UCF College of Nursing has partnered with Valencia College to bring its successful Concurrent Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing聽(B.S.N.) program to Valencia’s West campus.

The pilot program began with 28 students in Fall 2010. The next class will be admitted in Fall 2011 with 20 students from Valencia and 20 students from the 海角直播. Debra Hunt is the full-time UCF nursing adviser and instructor assigned to Valencia’s West campus.

UCF initiated its Concurrent A.S.N. to B.S.N. program in 2003 with a similar pilot program at Seminole Community College, now Seminole State College. Today, the program on Seminole State’s Altamonte Springs campus has doubled in size with 70 percent of Seminole’s nursing students participating.

The program at Seminole admits about 70 students twice a year in Fall and Spring, and UCF selects approximately half of the students. UCF added a second adviser/instructor on this campus in Spring 2011. Susan Ricci and Angela Ritten are the full-time UCF nursing advisers and instructors assigned to Seminole’s Altamonte campus.

Nicole McConnell (pictured above) said she decided to enroll in UCF’s Concurrent program to increase her knowledge in nursing, plus she feels it gives her an advantage. “All of the hospitals in Central Florida are moving toward ‘Magnet Status’ so it’s important and beneficial to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.”

Students in both programs have the opportunity to learn from the聽UCF faculty members assigned to聽teach UCF nursing courses聽at the partner campuses. As they progress in the program, they have the opportunity to learn from聽other UCF faculty members through online courses that are scheduled to accommodate the students’ varying clinical rotations.

As a limited-access program, UCF College of Nursing invites students who meet or exceed its admission requirements to apply for the Concurrent A.S.N. to B.S.N. program at Seminole State College and Valencia College.聽The unique, dual-enrollment program聽offers students an additional option for obtaining their baccalaureate degree from UCF. Students accepted into the competitive program take A.S.N.-level nursing courses at the partner college while taking UCF nursing courses at the same time. Students will complete their A.S.N. degree with more than half of their B.S.N. credits already earned, allowing them to complete their B.S.N. degree from UCF聽sooner and making them more competitive in the workforce.

UCF’s Concurrent A.S.N. to B.S.N. program is a first of its kind in the state and serves as a national model for increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. Research shows a clear link between higher levels of nursing education and better patient outcomes.

In addition to UCF聽classes, the Partnership Center houses the DirectConnect聽to UCF聽Center where students can meet with a UCF advisor, explore degree programs, and connect with admission and financial aid representatives.

Since 2006, UCF has guaranteed admission to all Seminole State graduates through . The partnership provides students a seamless transition to UCF through shared academic programs, advising and financial aid resources.

A grand opening ceremony for the Partnership Center聽is scheduled for late Spring. To learn more about UCF Sanford/Lake Mary, or call聽407.708.2471.