UNF and Ascension St. Vincent’s Announce New Name for Accelerated Nursing Program

The University of North Florida and Ascension St. Vincent’s today announced a renaming of the UNF’s Brooks College of Health accelerated nursing program as well as new scholarship funds available for nursing students.

Through Ascension St. Vincent’s sponsorship, UNF’s accelerated nursing program has been named the Ascension St. Vincent’s Accelerated Nursing Program at the Brooks College of Health in recognition of their most recent commitment to the University. In addition, scholarships up to $1,000 will be provided for each nursing student enrolled in the program based on academic eligibility and requirements for the next two years.

This strategic partnership with Ascension St. Vincent’s and UNF provides more opportunities for students to help fill the needed pipeline and demand for experienced skilled nurses.

“I would like to thank Ascension St. Vincent’s for being a strong supporter of UNF and the Brooks College of Health with contributions of nearly $1.5 million to the University and its healthcare initiatives to date,” said Dr. Curt Lox, dean of Brooks College of Health. “Their support includes our Mental Health Doctoral Nursing Program which was previously established and funded by Ascension St. Vincent’s and other healthcare partners.”

“We are extraordinarily proud to provide additional support and funding for local nursing students and the University of North Florida in this important and innovative way,” said Ascension Florida and Gulf Coast President and CEO Tom VanOsdol. “Northeast Florida is filled with opportunities to serve others in the healthcare space, particularly in nursing, and it’s in the best interest of our entire community that we continue to cultivate and support our healthcare leaders of tomorrow in every way possible.”

The accelerated nursing program at UNF is for those students already holding a baccalaureate degree in another field of study who want to prepare for a career in nursing while earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program allows students to complete both their classroom and clinical training in 22 months and graduate as a trained nursing professional.

The curriculum provides a strong scientific base of study with a diversity of clinical experiences and unique opportunities to work with vulnerable and underserved populations. The program is community-based in that it supports engagement with the community throughout the nursing major by nurturing and building relationships with community agencies consistently over time through an innovative home-basing of students in a designated community for the entire length of their nursing program.