Fortis Institute, Nashville Launches PN to RN Bridge Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortis Institute, Nashville, a post-secondary healthcare education institution, is enrolling qualified candidates for the April start of the campus' new PN – RN Associate Degree Bridge Program.  The program enables the region's licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing in as little as 14 months and qualify to sit for the Registered Nurse (RN) licensure exam.

Fortis Institute is accepting a limited number of candidates for its inaugural class in the PN – RN Associate Degree Bridge program to ensure students receive personalized instruction.  However, the campus plans two additional starts during the year – in July and late October.

"What makes this program attractive for area LPNs is that Nashville hospitals have begun phasing out practical nurses on staff in favor of RNs," said Campus President Jim Hackney.  "Our Fortis program will definitely give LPNs a means to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing to bridge to becoming an RN."

Employment websites confirm that demand for registered nurses remains very strong in Middle Tennessee.  A recent survey of online job sites (Jan. 9, 2012) revealed 1,454 registered nursing jobs for the Nashville area on simplyhired.com; 1,123 RN openings posted on indeed.com; and 350 available registered nurse positions on Jobs.net.

"A key reason for launching this program is that 'bridge' candidates are very attractive to hospitals because of the skills they bring from their experience as LPNs," noted Fortis Vice President for Nursing Robert L. Anders, Dr PH, CS, CNAA, FAAN.  "Other Associate Degree of Nursing graduates may enter the field with no real experience, other than their clinicals."

As one of the largest nursing education systems in the U.S., Fortis has enrolled more than 4,000 nursing students nationwide and operates over 20 nursing campuses in 10 states.

Fortis Colleges and Institutes have received international recognition for their leadership in using simulation technology to educate nursing students.  As a leading nursing education provider, Fortis campuses are creating strong learning environments for students who will become tomorrow's nurses.  Fortis' reputation as a leading educator of nursing students also is reflected in its excellent pass rates for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Exam), the examination for licensing nurses in the U.S.  Review the Fortis NCLEX pass rates to learn how they compare to programs at other schools, including major universities at www.fortis.edu.

The Fortis educational process provides graduates with tools for establishing professional goals and achieving success in existing and emerging professions.  Fortis students are able to select from enhanced course offerings backed by the resources of a strong educational network that is committed to quality education and dedicated to placing students on desired career paths.

About Fortis Institute, Nashville

Fortis Institute, Nashville is located at 3354 Perimeter Hill Dr., Suite 105, Nashville, TN 37211.  The campus is a great medical school that provides the education and training necessary to prepare students to enter new careers with confidence.  In addition to the PN-RN Associate Degree Bridge program, Fortis Institute, Nashville offers programs in Cardiovascular Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Billing & Coding, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology and Surgical Technology.  Fortis Institute is authorized as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.  To view detailed placement and graduation information on campus programs, visit www.state.tn.us/thec and click on the Authorized Institutions Data button. For campus information, call 615-320-5917 or email Jim Hackney at [email protected].

About Fortis

A leading post-secondary network of colleges and institutes that engages students in a powerful learning and training experience for lifelong growth, Fortis offers career-based certificate, diploma and degree-granting programs at more than 40 schools in 15 states.  Fortis prepares students for success with career-focused education in a variety of fields including nursing, health care, business and technology and various trades.   Fortis also offers online learning platforms for many of its programs.  Each Fortis campus is accredited by a nationally recognized body.  Program offerings and accreditations vary by campus.  Fortis is affiliated with the Denver School of Nursing, St. Paul's School of Nursing, and All State Career School. 

Visit www.fortis.edu to learn more about Fortis educational opportunities.

SOURCE Fortis Institute