Posted: 6/22/2009
The 132 members of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing (JHUSON) 2010 accelerated class illustrate a range of diversity in not only ethnicity and gender, but also their life experiences, backgrounds, and age.
Students in the new class come to the School from all over the world with 110 of the 132 students hailing from somewhere other than Maryland including 33 states, South Korea, Philippines, Iran, Guyana, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
Many of the students are shifting more than just location. As accelerated students, all have previous degrees and many are making significant career changes. Their previous degrees–from over a hundred colleges and universities–vary from the most popular of biology to film and economics. When asked to articulate an interesting fact about themselves one student replied, “I was previously a pseudo-professional opera singer.” Another noted that she was an “ex-figure skater.”
“I am delighted and excited to welcome the Accelerated 2010 class,” said Mary ORourke, Director of Admissions and Student Services. “Interestingly we have more students from the West than we do from the Mid-Atlantic region with 32 students from California alone. Also, twenty-two students in this class served in the Peace Corps and are entering our Peace Corps Fellows Program.”
With an array of experiences, its no surprise that students range in age as well from 21 to 47, with an average age of 26. Diversity is also represented with an 8% male student body and 19% of students representing a minority ethnicity.
The JHUSON accelerated program began in 1989, and was developed in response to the nationwide nursing shortage to allow students who already hold a baccalaureate degree to graduate in 13.5 months, beginning in June and graduating the following July. The accelerated programs content, classes, and clinical requirements are exactly the same as the traditional 21-month program. Upon successful completion, the students receive a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in nursing, and are qualified to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain licensure as a registered nurse.