Higher Ed Holdings Helps UT Arlington Move Courses Online as More Nurses and Hospitals Seek Access
Internet Statistics Compendium The UT Arlington School of Nursing is helping to progressively meet the extra demand for more BSN prepared nurses. One method began last fall when the school partnered with service provider Higher Ed Holdings in offering an RN to BSN distance education program. This online program from Higher Ed Holdings gives registered nurses a path to a bachelor’s degree through a plan that includes a combination of nursing and general courses. The program incorporates all prerequisite courses, up to 18 general education courses. Students who have already fulfilled their prerequisites can finish the program in as little as 13 months by taking eight nursing courses and one upper level elective for 35 credit hours. “There are a significant number of efforts to increase the number of BSN prepared nurses in Texas,” Mancini says. “The academic partnership program is helping the practicing nurses to acquire the knowledge and skills to practice in the new roles of today and in the future – doing it in an efficient and effective manner.” Offering Flexibility The RN to BSN degree plan is based on a curriculum designed completely by UT Arlington faculty, who intimately understand the additional knowledge needed by nurses in hospital settings. Courses are open for admission at eight entry points per year. Special instructional design efforts have resulted in user friendly, media rich coursework that engages today’s busy online student, and encourages them to complete reading assignments and participate in online discussion forums. A team of qualified academic “coaches” works with course instructors to assist students to successfully progress through the program. Individual “coaches” are assigned to groups of about 25 students from within the larger course “classroom.” Each “coach” holds at least a master’s degree and helps coordinate and facilitate course activities for students.
