Aggie nurses finish first Aggie Student-Centered Express Nursing Degree (ASCEND) program

Josh Kim was looking for flexibility, not only in a career but in the path he took to reach that career. He also wanted to be an Aggie. This combination led him to enroll in the Aggie Student-Centered Express Nursing Degree (ASCEND) program, a collaboration between the Texas A&M University College of Nursing and Blinn College that will graduate its inaugural cohort of 12 students this week.

ASCEND offers students a pathway to complete an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree from Blinn and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Texas A&M while co-enrolled in both institutions. The program is a version of the College of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN degree plan available exclusively to Blinn students, who can earn their BSN in as little as one semester after completing their associate degree.

“One of the reasons I wanted to go into nursing is that it’s so flexible,” Kim said. “I always wanted to go to A&M but wasn’t at a place where I could enroll right off the bat. So I went to Blinn first, and the ASCEND opportunity popped up. I liked the idea of getting my bachelor’s really soon after I got my associate.”

Texas is asking for more nurses and nurse leaders, including those who are bachelor’s prepared, according to Wendy Greenwood, DNP, coordinator of the College of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN program.

“With ASCEND, we wanted to create a quicker path for nurses to get their BSNs and help meet the workforce demand,” Greenwood said. “While creating nurses is our mandate, we strive to create exceptional Aggie nurse leaders.”

Even with taking his Texas A&M classes entirely online while living in the Austin area, Kim said there was a sense of community, support and collaboration among peers and professors. He also enjoyed getting to gain additional hands-on experience in the nursing field.

Kim shadowed College of Nursing Executive Associate Dean Lisa Haddad, PhD, for his leadership clinical. He assisted Haddad in several administrative projects, including a comprehensive review of nursing student handbooks.

“Josh is representative of the type of student working through our ASCEND program,” Haddad said. “He created a plan to become a professional nurse and followed through. When we hear from employers about how well-prepared Aggie nurses are, they are talking about people like Josh.”

Throughout his time in the program, Kim also served as a representative on the Texas A&M Undergraduate Curriculum, where he enjoyed having a hand in shaping the program for future learners.

“I’ve loved being able to give some feedback and know I’m helping kind of guide future cohorts and make their experience that much better,” Kim said.

Kim also worked in a unit caring for patients transitioning out of the intensive care unit while studying, which gave him insight into the world of fast-paced emergency care. While he has interest in working in an intensive care unit or cath lab after graduation, he’s maintaining the mindset of flexibility and seeing where his new bachelor’s degree takes him.

Wherever Kim and the rest of the cohort end up, Greenwood is encouraged by what she’s seen of them in her time as their instructor.

“It has been an honor leading this cohort through the program,” Greenwood said. “I’m so proud and confident that we are sending a spectacular group of nurses into the field with their BSNs. Aggie nurses think broader, act as change agents within their chosen specialties and elevate the practice of those around them.”

ASCEND students will participate in Texas A&M’s commencement ceremony on Thursday morning before receiving their customary nursing pins at the College of Nursing Recognition Ceremony later that day.