The Royal Palm Beach-based NRI Institute of Health Sciences will begin offering an associate of science degree in nursing beginning May 11. The program has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing and the Commission on Independent Education.
The registered nurse program will feature two tracks — one for those who are already licensed practical nurses (LPN-ASN Program, Bridge Program), and a separate track for candidates who just graduated from high school, got their GED certificate or are switching careers and want to pursue a nursing education (traditional or generic RN program).
“We are now accepting applications for both nursing tracks,” said Elizabeth Stolkowski, director of nursing programs at NRI.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for registered nurses was over $65,000 across the country. NRI Institute graduates are eligible to sit for the Nursing Council Licensure Exam for licensure as an RN in all 50 states and all U.S. territories.
NRI’s philosophy is to have small classes, and Stolkowski said that the RN program will also have small class sizes, enabling a personalized educational experience. Stolkowski believes that this results in better student success in the classroom and translates to higher state exam passing rates.
The LPN-ASN advanced track program takes less than a year to complete, while the traditional/generic ASN track takes 18 months.
NRI will continue its Licensed Practical Nursing Program and HHA program.
According to a recent survey by the Florida Center for Nursing, Florida is already starting to see the expected nationwide nurse shortage, with roughly 9,000 positions open statewide and an estimated 50,000 nurses needed to prevent a shortage from happening in Florida by 2020.
NRI is located at 500 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the Royal Palm Plaza. Information and applications can be obtained by calling (561) 688-5112. For more info., visit www.thenriinstitute.com.
