To Whom It May Concern:

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine recommended that by 2020, 80% of registered nurses(RN) in the workforce be prepared at the baccalaureate level. As a result, employers are more inclined to hire a nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. RN’s with an Associate of Science in Nursing degree are at a disadvantage when vying for a position in the workforce as a new nurse in this competitive market.

Florida International University (FIU), Barry University (Barry), University of Miami (UM) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) all have a one year accelerated option BSN nursing program. It would be in the best interest of Miami Dade College (MDC) nursing students if they were also given the same opportunity. This program will also become more attractive to those considering nursing as a career. The difference between the MDC and FIU programs, are 2 courses: pathophysiology and writing course. At FIU, previously completed lower and upper level course are applied to the completion of the BSN degree.

We, the Accelerated Option Students of Miami Dade College Benjamin Léon School of Nursing are petitioning that MDC provides us with a program that is comparative with the FIU, UM, FAU and Barry programs. For those of us who have already matriculated through this program, we would like the option of completing the BSN degree in one semester.