Fairfield University and Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Conn., are answering the call when it comes to workforce readiness. As the field of healthcare grows along with the high demand for nurses, Fairfield and Albertus Magnus are announcing a new agreement, whereby Albertus students can achieve a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, with just fifteen additional months of study.

Here’s how it works: students interested in the program would first complete all required courses toward a bachelor’s degree at Albertus to be eligible for admission. For example, an Albertus student who earns a bachelor's degree in biology, or perhaps general health studies, could then apply to the Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing Program at Fairfield University, and in fifteen months, add a Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SDNU) to their name. 

“This opportunity provides a practical, cost-effective pathway for our students who want to make a difference in today’s healthcare environment, where the need for qualified nurses is at a premium,” said Albertus Magnus Vice President of Academic Affairs Sean O’Connell, PhD. “By addressing the needs of students and society, our agreement with Fairfield University is aligned with Albertus’ bold new strategic plan, Albertus 2025: Lighting the Way to a Second Century, a vision which leverages the gifts and talents of the Albertus community as we prepare to address challenges and seize opportunities that lie ahead.”

“So often, we hear from students that they think they’d make a great nurse but don’t have an undergraduate degree in nursing. This agreement with Albertus helps fulfill the urgent need for nurses,” said Fairfield’s Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies Dean Meredith Kazer, PhD, APRN, FAAN.

The deadline for the first group of applicants to apply is December 1, 2022.

Among many national distinctions, U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Fairfield’s Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies among the Best Undergraduate Nursing Programs. The Egan School was ranked in the top 11 percent nationally at #76 (tied) out of almost 700 schools. It was also ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 Best Graduate Schools in the Best Nursing Schools that offer Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees. Fairfield was ranked #3 in the state of Connecticut.

Albertus Magnus College, founded in 1925, is a Catholic College in the Dominican tradition. It is recognized by external rankings such as U.S. News & World Report, Money magazine, and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education, and has been named a Top 10 Military Friendly School. The College has an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students across its traditional undergraduate program, accelerated adult degree program, and 12 graduate programs.