Concurrent Enrollment ADN-BSN Programs: A Call to Expand Access to This Innovative Approach to the BSN

Abstract

Background. The National Education Progression in Nursing’s current goal is for one million incumbent nurses and 90% of new ADN nurses to achieve a BSN or higher by 2025 in the United States. To meet this goal, programs nationwide are exploring options to increase BSN graduates. One method is the concurrent enrollment ADN-BSN pathway. This review examines how nurse educators develop and implement concurrent enrollment ADN-BSN programs in the US and calls to expand access to this important approach to academic progression in nursing. Method. A PRISMA search strategy was used to identify articles that detailed the development and implementation of dual-admission nursing programs. Ten relevant works were analyzed in this review. Results. Dual enrollment programs vary in program type and implementation methods nationwide and offer an innovative, cost-effective, and time-efficient approach to obtaining the BSN. Conclusion. While employing dual or concurrent enrollment partnerships between community colleges and universities is a complex endeavor, these programs are a powerful and cost-effective way to increase the number of BSN nurses in the workforce and should be considered for expansion as we promote academic progression for all nurses.