The University of Phoenix has been recognized for its work providing an accessible pathway for nurses to achieve higher education degrees and realize their career goals by the National Education Progression in Nursing (NEPIN) Quality Designation. The University is the first to receive the honor, which covers a four-year period and recognizes nursing programs that encourage and support nurses in taking the next steps in their career progression.
“Our College of Nursing leadership and faculty are focused on enhancing, empowering, and encouraging our students in their nursing career journey,” said Raelene Brooks, Ph.D., RN. “The NEPIN Quality Designation recognizes the University’s commitment to producing effective, high-quality nursing program courses of study that prepare our students for a life-long career in nursing with clear pathways to higher degrees.”
Nursing at University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is uniquely designed to meet the needs of nurses who are currently working but looking to advance their degrees and qualify for senior and leadership roles. The University offers several accredited, online nursing degree programs with courses that are taken one at a time, providing the flexibility that allows adults to pursue a degree while working as a nurse. In addition, the University of Phoenix offers several ways to obtain an advanced nursing degree depending on a student’s experience and motivations including Concurrent Enrollment Programs (CEP), which allow nursing students to advance toward a baccalaureate degree in nursing while enrolled in a community college associate degree nursing program, a standard Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and both Master’s and Doctoral degree programs in Nursing.
The CEP is one example of the University of Phoenix’s strong partnership with community colleges. Those completing their associate degree in nursing at an alliance community college can take up to four upper division nursing courses during their community college breaks and will ultimately be able to complete their RN to BSN degree in less than a year at the University.
Online traditional nursing degree options at the University of Phoenix emphasize both theory and contemporary practice including evidence-based practice, quality, and patient safety and leadership. They include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). All of these programs are taken one course at a time with competency-based options for those with an existing degree and experience which are self-led with the support of a faculty mentor and can be completed in as little as a year. Those who have a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field can enroll in the Nursing Bridge Program at University of Phoenix, another way for working nurses to accelerate their degrees and careers.
Experienced Nursing Faculty Lead the Way at University of Phoenix
In part, the NEPIN award recognized the experienced nursing faculty guiding University of Phoenix nursing students forward in their careers. Faculty in the University of Phoenix College of Nursing has an average of 27.5 years of professional experience, and they include among their ranks five chief executive officers, two chief nursing officers, two chief operating officers, and 20 Directors of Service.
Leading the school is Kathleen Winston, Ph.D., RN, the dean of the College of Nursing, and a finalist for an ATHENA Award from the Greater Phoenix Chamber. Winston has worked in nursing as a clinician, educator and dean for over 30 years, sharing her expertise with the National Institutes of Health and the California Healthcare Workforce.
“Our College of Nursing leadership and faculty are focused on enhancing, empowering, and encouraging our students in their nursing career journey,” said Brooks. “The NEPIN Quality Designation recognizes the University’s commitment to producing effective, high-quality nursing program courses of study that prepare our students for a life-long career in nursing with clear pathways to higher degrees.”
About University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is committed to providing affordable and accessible higher education opportunities for working parents and adults including online nursing degree programs that prepare students for careers in the high-demand field of nursing with flexible course options to fit into busy schedules. Degree options in the University of Phoenix Online Nursing Program include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) as well as a Nursing Bridge Program to help working nurses accelerate their path to an MSN. Whether interested in nursing or other careers, the University of Phoenix provides a pathway for working adults to realize their academic and career goals with flexible schedules, online learning options, transfer credit opportunities, and dedicated staff to help students complete their degrees. Visit www.phoenix.edu to learn more.
