In June 2023, the Drake Board of Trustees approved the pursuit of an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Once approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing (IBON) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the first cohort will begin in Fall 2024. The College will also seek national accreditation.

Students enrolled in the 3 + 1 ABSN program will have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, along with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. The accelerated BSN degree will require three semesters of full-time coursework throughout the fall, spring, and summer following the completion of prerequisites.

The program will partner with Broadlawns Medical Center which will provide preceptorships, clinical education, and additional facilities and laboratory spaces. The partnership will allow the program to offer students a range of experiences among diverse patient populations.

“The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences believes that investing in the education and preparation of nurses is important for the overall well-being of our communities,” said CPHS dean and professor Renae Chesnut. “By offering an intensive curriculum that compresses the requirements into a condensed timeframe, we are accelerating the pathway for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and helping bridge the gap between healthcare needs and the available nursing workforce.”

Applications to the program will become available following the IBON and HLC approvals.