After attending a medical volunteer trip in South America, I became inspired by the positive impact nurses have on not only their patients, but their patients' families. This trip made me realize how important nurses are and how rewarding the profession is. Shortly after attending this trip, I decided to go back to school at Concordia College to pursue my passion for nursing.
The faculty in the Nursing Department has positively impacted my academic experience in many ways. They are very approachable, truly get to know each student, do their very best to help everyone succeed, and share their incredible knowledge and passion for nursing with us students.
My student cohort has been a huge support system for me. We all support each other, help each other out when needed, keep each other on track, encourage each other, and have grown to be friends, not just classmates.

Katie Wenzel | Accelerated Nursing '18

After graduating with my first degree, I started working in the medical field to help me continue to prepare for my future as a physician or physician assistant. It was during this time that I started working with a nurse practitioner in an urgent care setting. As a result, I started to appreciate the time and caring attitude that she displayed to the patients who were coming in for care. By seeing this type of provider, I was driven to the field of nursing since I knew that the nursing mentality would allow me to spend more time with my patient.
When I started to look into accelerated nursing programs, I really appreciated the overall organization of Concordia’s program and how they blended us into the junior year nursing class. I appreciated the chance to get to know other traditional nursing students along with the accelerated cohort. 
I chose Concordia College mainly because of its reputation as an accelerated program along with its recognition as an accredited university.

Courtney Cardinal | Accelerated Nursing '18

The best advice I would give the next students enrolling in the accelerated class is to take advantage of the knowledge that your cohort brings to your experience. Each person in your group has skills that are different than yours and each one can be valuable at different times in your journey together. Lift each other up each chance you can get. Those good memories will get you through the more challenging times throughout the curriculum. Those good times and memories outweigh those more challenging times, HANDS DOWN. Lastly, continually, possibly daily, remember that being a nurse is a vocation, not just as a job. 

Kathleen Rustad | Accelerated Nursing '18

The faculty at Concordia is unparalleled.  You can tell, while they teach, that they really enjoy what they teach and want students to succeed in their classes. The professors are always willing to talk to students in their offices whether it's to answer questions or just to chat.
Because the size of the accelerated program, you get close with everyone in the class. We rely on each other to help get through and they become your greatest supporters.
This profession is amazing, and the opportunities you get at Concordia will prepare you for anything in the professional world.

Stephen Thie | Accelerated Nursing '18