Regional health care professionals gathered April 12, 2017 for the Grand Opening of Concordia University Portland’s new Nursing Skills Center at 9600 SW Barnes Road in Portland, Ore. adjacent to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center.
The new facility is specifically designed to support Concordia University’s new accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (ABSN) program, which expands the university’s decade-long track record of graduating caring and competent nurses with a heart for service.
The new 11,980 sq. ft. facility includes large lab spaces, two simulation rooms, with high-tech medical mannequins that simulate real patient conditions, an observation room, student collaboration space, faculty offices and conference rooms. It will house students enrolled in the ABSN program, a 16-month option for students who qualify.
With a nursing shortage looming for Oregon – an estimated shortfall of 6,000 nurses by 2025, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration – Concordia University-Portland is stepping up to prepare more nurses through both its nationally accredited bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program and the new ABSN program.
Concordia graduates pass the national licensure exam at a rate of 91.67%, well above the national average pass rate of 83.7 %, and higher than any other private university in Oregon.
Oregon is the fourth highest paying state for registered nurses, with an average salary for BSN and ABSN-educated RNs of $83,800, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to recent labor trend reports, health care is leading the job growth and, within the sector, nurses are in highest demand.
“As a military veteran and non-traditional student, I appreciate the accelerated curriculum both online and in the skills center because I already have a lot of practical experience from my time in the military,” shares Tim Walker, a Vancouver, Wash. native, who is a member of the first cohort of students in Concordia University’s ABSN program.
“As the demand for nurses increases in our community, Concordia is committed to providing the latest and most advanced educational options for students,” says Dr. Sarah Sweitzer, Dean of Concordia University’s College of Health and Human Services. “Concordia’s Accelerated BSN program allows students to earn the same quality degree in a concentrated timeframe, so graduates can serve the community as soon as possible. With three start dates per year, students may apply to start right away.”
According to the Oregon Employment Department, Oregon is the eighth fastest expanding job market in the nation and health care leads the way. Portland’s health care sector is strong and growing, with the demand for nurses higher than ever, in part due to the rapidly aging baby boomer population, as well as recently expanded access to care under health care reform. According to recent labor trend reports, health care is leading the growth and, within the sector, nurses are in highest demand.
To learn more visit accleratednursing.cu-portland.edu or call 866.892.5321.
