Accelerated Nursing Grads in Phoenix Honored Virtually

The fourth cohort of nursing graduates from the Creighton University College of Nursing’s accelerated Bachelor of Science program in Phoenix will be honored virtually Aug. 14.

Forty-five nursing graduates will be welcomed into the profession during the Honors Convocation and Nurse Pinning Ceremony.

The students earned their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) after an intense, 12-month accelerated program taught by Creighton University faculty. The students gained clinical experience at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Valleywise Health, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and other clinical partner sites around metro Phoenix.

Catherine Todero, PhD, RN, FAAN, Creighton University College of Nursing Dean and Vice Provost of Health Sciences Campuses, will address the graduates in a video presentation.

“We are especially proud of this group of graduates who completed their requirements despite the challenges that COVID-19 presented,” she said. “The graduates partnered with faculty in showing great flexibility in meeting professional competencies through virtual learning and clinical intensives.” 

Creighton’s innovative accelerated nursing program was launched in 1975, the second program in the country. Students who are accepted into the program must already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and meet certain requirements.

A fifth cohort of students began the 12-month program in January.

In addition to the academic and clinical work, students took part in community service projects during the year.

Some students will receive awards in various categories, including Nursing Student of the Year, Service and Spirit Award, Iota Tau (for scholarly work), and the

Constance Smith Peterson Award for public health and community nursing.

Creighton University’s nursing program in Phoenix is currently based in midtown. The program will move to Creighton’s new Health Sciences Campus currently under construction at Park Central, where it is expected to anchor the renaissance of Phoenix’s oldest mall. When completed, the seven-story campus will house the nursing program as well as a four-year medical school, and programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, pharmacy and physician assistant.

The first classes at the new campus will start fall 2021.