UConn Nursing Program Proposes Curriculum Revisions to Enhance Student Success

The Board of Examiners for Nursing convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss significant updates to the accelerated nursing program proposed by the University of Connecticut. The meeting focused on curriculum adjustments aimed at enhancing student outcomes and aligning the program more closely with traditional pre-licensure offerings.

Dr. Meyerson presented a proposal to restructure the first semester of the accelerated program, which spans three semesters and begins in the spring. The current 12-credit course combining fundamentals and health assessment will be split into two separate courses. This change addresses faculty concerns regarding the course's heavy weight. Additionally, the pharmacology and pathophysiology course has been moved to the summer semester, replaced by a summer course on concepts and theories of professional nursing.

The fall semester will remain unchanged in terms of course offerings, but a credit hour of clinical experience has been shifted from the community health course to the medical-surgical nursing course. These adjustments are designed to improve alignment with the traditional nursing curriculum and respond to feedback from faculty, students, and clinical partners across the university's four regional campuses: Avery Point, Waterbury, Stamford, and Storrs.

During the meeting, board members expressed appreciation for the proactive approach taken by the faculty in reviewing national pass rates and local trends. Questions arose regarding the delivery methods of the courses, with Dr. Meyerson confirming a combination of in-person and synchronous online classes. The proposal aims to enhance in-person learning experiences, particularly for the pharmacology and pathophysiology course, which will now be taught in person across all campuses.

Concerns were raised about the credit allocation for the fundamentals course, which remains at seven credits, and the medical-surgical nursing course, which is set at ten credits. Dr. Meyerson explained that the curriculum is designed to integrate essential content throughout the program to support NCLEX success while maintaining the total number of program credits to manage student costs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the curriculum based on ongoing assessments and stakeholder feedback, ensuring that the accelerated nursing program remains competitive and effective in preparing students for their future careers in nursing.