WHEELING, W.Va. – In an effort to meet increased demand for nurses, Wheeling Jesuit announced today plans to increase class offerings in their Accelerated BSN program by offering two cohorts per year.

For men and women who already have a bachelor’s degree, Wheeling Jesuit’s program offers them a way to earn a bachelor of science in nursing in as little as 18 months. The program has attracted students from as far away as Oregon.

Recently the accrediting agency approved Wheeling Jesuit to increase the number of students in a cohort from 16 to 24 and also gave the University permission to offer two cohorts per year. The accelerated BSN program began in 2009 and since that time has produced more than 40 graduates.

“The program is popular because there aren’t many like it around the country,” said Dr. Helen Faso, dean of the College of Health Sciences. “In addition, Wheeling Jesuit’s nursing programs have a great reputation. Like all our programs, the accelerated BSN program is rigorous.”

The second cohort of 2013 will begin classes on August 26, said Cynthia Hunter, associate dean of enrollment for the College of Health Sciences for Wheeling Jesuit’s Professional and Graduate Programs.

“A program like the accelerated BSN is in demand and very competitive,” she added. “With the continued nursing shortage, this program is a great way for an individual, who is thinking of making a career change, to obtain a BSN in a shorter time frame.”

Hunter explained students entering the program in August could graduate 18-months later. She noted the classes are held on campus and on a full time basis.

The accelerated program does have some prerequisite courses that students must have prior to admission, Hunter explained.

To learn more about Wheeling Jesuit’s accelerated BSN program, contact Cynthia Hunter at chunter@wju.edu or call 1-800-873-7665.