Accelerating nurses into a world in need

Since the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program launched in 2007, the students who have earned nursing degrees from Huntington University had for the most part followed a traditional four-year structure. For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are interested in nursing, however, a second traditional bachelor’s degree could be a hindrance to pursuing a nursing career. Meanwhile, the world is in need of qualified nurses.

That is where the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program came into play. The full-time, in-person program spans just 13 months from start to completion, enabling students who already have one bachelor’s degree and prerequisite classes to start their nursing career faster.

Students in the program earn a Huntington University degree from HU’s excellent nursing faculty, and classes take place in Fort Wayne on Indiana Tech’s campus in all-new, state-of-the art facilities. The partnership between HU and Indiana Tech provides a dedicated space for ABSN classes with the same quality of Christ-centered nursing instruction that Foresters have come to expect.

The first cohort of the ABSN degree program celebrated its graduation with a commencement ceremony on October 19. Classes for the cohort of 19 students began in August of 2023. The graduating cohort had a strong Northeast Indiana influence, with 17 of the 19 graduates calling Northeast Indiana home, an unintentional yet fitting tribute to the partnerships behind the ABSN program.

Thanks to the support of Parkview Health, students can have their tuition fully paid for over time and a job waiting for them upon graduation at one of the nation’s premier health systems. Ultimately, the collaboration brings together a high-quality degree program, outstanding facilities in a convenient location, and a strong relationship with the leading regional healthcare provider to ensure graduates are well-positioned to enter the nursing field.

“The innovative partnership between Huntington University, Indiana Tech and Parkview Health opens an incredible pathway for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field to pursue a career in nursing,” said HU Director of Nursing Jodi Eckert. “This collaboration combines academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals. Together, we are addressing a critical need in healthcare by empowering a new generation of nurses ready to make a meaningful difference in their communities.”

However, while geography may serve as a common trait among the majority of the graduates, that is largely where the similarities end, as a diverse set of backgrounds also strongly identifies the group.

“The diversity in this program is amazing and makes the learning process more robust and so much fun,” Eckert said. “I think we learn as much from them as they do from us.”

One member of the graduating cohort who is putting her experience in the ABSN program to good use is Consuela Ruffin, who now works in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Ruffin had been considering the idea of an accelerated program when she was referred to HU’s

 program by her husband’s boss. Ruffin looked into HU’s program further and decided it was the right fit. Looking back at her time in the program, Ruffin knows she made the right choice.

“My experience in the program greatly helped prepare me for my career by providing both the knowledge and the hands-on skills needed in the field,” Ruffin said. “The fast-paced environment mimicked real-world demands, pushing me to stay organized, prioritize tasks and think critically under pressure. The staff ’s guidance and encouragement helped me build confidence in my abilities, and the collaborative nature of the program allowed me to connect with peers, learning from their perspectives and experiences.”

Ruffin added she has enthusiastically recommended the program to anyone who she knows is considering an accelerated path to their BSN degree and stressed how the support of the program’s staff was instrumental in the students’ success.

Ruffin and the rest of the inaugural cohort represented the best of what the ABSN program strives for, something Eckert was pleased with.

“We are immensely proud of our first graduating class from the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program,” Eckert said. “These students have shown extraordinary dedication, resilience and commitment to excellence in patient care, embodying the values and mission of Huntington University: Christ, scholarship and service. As the inaugural class, they have set a high standard for future students, inspiring those who will follow in their footsteps. As they step into their professional roles, we are confident they will make a meaningful impact in healthcare and serve as inspiring ambassadors for our program.”