Johnson & Wales University recently announced the completion of its first Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing cohort in December, presenting nursing pins to 18 students. The group began the 16-month program in Fall 2023. Molly Lynch of Warwick was among the graduates.

“We are so thrilled to celebrate the first class of this innovative new program,” said David Hudson, JWU’s chief nursing officer in a press release. “JWU set out to help address the major workforce shortages in the healthcare industry with this degree, and we look forward to the exciting careers our graduates will embark upon.”

According to a press release, the pinning ceremony featured remarks from Hudson, College of Health & Wellness Dean Maura Daly Iversen, DPT, SD, MPH, Providence Program Director Kiley Medeiros, PhD, RN, and nursing student Krysta Bouchard. Students received their pins and recited the nursing oath. During the ceremony, a posthumous degree and pin were awarded to the family of student Jaiden Andrews, who passed away during the third semester of the program.

 Johnson & Wales University launched its new, accelerated second degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in October 2022, after receiving approval from the Rhode Island Board of Nursing Registration & Nursing Education. The accelerated, four-semester program is intended to be a secondary degree program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree.