SPECIAL SESSION: Program Growth from 100-4000: Why, When, How, Where, Who?

Description/Overview: This presentation describes the Why, When, How, Who, and Where of an innovative entreprenureal expansion model for nursing education that increased capacity from 100 to 4000 students in two years. WHY: the UTA College of Nursing used a public/private model to increase enrollment in its RN-BSN, initial licensure BSN and graduate MSN Nurse Administrator programs. WHEN: Based on a model initiated in 2008 with 100 students, there are over 4000 students enrolled and many graduated. HOW: The academic/service partnerships were critical to program growth while maintaing quality and ensuring student success and graduation. The programs are on-line, using the UTArlington curriculum, taught by College of Nursing faculty in modular format to overcome semester boundaries. WHO: The program outcomes attest to the importance of strong collaborative partnerships among colleagues in health care settings, the faculty and staff of the UT Arlington Nursing program, various university departments and colleges as well as the private sector. Coaches are available to assist the faculty and students in each of the course sections. WHERE: Over 300 health care settings in Texas and beyond provide support to their nursing staff or students in their settings to enhance successful completion for a nursing degree in the AP programs.