ERIE, Pa. — A new 16-month degree program at Penn State Behrend will fast-track a career change for college graduates who want to work in nursing. The program, offered through the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, credits students for prerequisite work in anatomy, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition and statistics, accelerating the path to a bachelor of science degree in nursing (B.S.N.).
The fast pace of the program appeals to students like Eileen Phillips, a former U.S. Air Force medic who currently works as a home health aide.
“This program is going to allow me to build on the foundation I have and take on a greater level of responsibility in patient care,” said Phillips, who has enrolled in the first cohort of the Second Degree B.S.N. program. Classes begin in the fall of 2026.
“The 16-month curriculum, though demanding, will enable me to return to the environment I’ve been eager to rejoin more quickly,” she said. “Another advantage is knowing that the courses will be nursing-focused, like anatomy, pharmacology and actual hands-on clinical experience.”
Phillips earned a degree in biology at Gannon University in 2023. She said she planned to be a doctor but reconsidered after shadowing physicians and becoming a mother.
“Nurses often have the privilege of building relationships and supporting patients through their health care journeys on a more personal level,” she said. “That was a major factor in my decision.”
She said she also was drawn to how the Behrend program is structured to prepare future nurses to think critically, communicate effectively and provide empathetic care.
“These are attributes I hope to strengthen and carry throughout my nursing career,” she said.
Jasmine Woll enrolled in the program after a gap year following her degree in health science. She had initially planned to be a pharmacist, she said.
“I think what truly nudged me was my mom,” she said. “She has been one of my biggest inspirations and is one of the most amazing nurses.”
Woll said she appreciates the new program’s emphasis on patient-facing skills.
“Individuals can come into the program only focused on nursing courses, rather than prerequisites,” she said. “They are able to receive all of the experiences they need, not just through their courses, but in their clinicals as well.”
The accelerated pathway to nursing will help meet the nationwide need for healthcare workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031 — creating more than 200,000 openings each year over the decade.
The focused Second Degree program will encourage graduates who want to change direction without starting over, Woll said.
“Coming out with a B.S.N. degree from Penn State Behrend is huge,” she said. “It sets the bar super high for those who are looking for a nursing career.”