New Part-Time Weekend ASN Program Starts in January

The new Part-Time Weekend ASN Program option starting in January 2017 at Fairmont State University will allow working adults to become registered nurses while attending classes on the weekends.

Designed for those who cannot attend regular classes due to personal or professional obligations, the new program offers classes and clinicals every other weekend along with online general education and support courses. Students in the program take a total of six part-time semesters in the spring and fall with summers off to recoup and re-energize. Students can earn an Associate Degree in Nursing in three years.

“We’re really excited about this new program,” said Dr. Sharon Boni, Dean of the School of Nursing at FSU. “I may be a little partial, but I think it’s one of the best programs in the state. We have a very high pass rate for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses and a very high employment rate for our RNs once they graduate. The program is solid. We are nationally accredited through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses. Our students do very well.”

Boni said that as the baby boomer generation ages, the demand for nurses will continue to grow. Registered nurses find jobs in hospitals, in inpatient and outpatient departments; physician offices; outpatient clinics and care centers; nursing care facilities; home healthcare services; employment services; and government agencies.

“Anyone who wants a job in nursing can find a job. Graduates can take a position anywhere in the U.S. and switch jobs easily from one part of nursing to another,” she said. “You never get bored in nursing. You can always change from one unit to another, one area of nursing to another or go into politics or education. Just about anything you want to do, you can do with a nursing license.”

“We do have scholarships available for students coming into any of our programs, and financial aid is available. After students are in the program for two semesters, they can get jobs as nurse externs if they want to work in a hospital. Don’t let financial worries stop you from pursuing this program,” Boni said.

The class size is limited, so those interested in the new program should apply today for admission to FSU: /apply. For more information, visit /schoolofnursing/academics/associate-degree-program.

The FSU School of Nursing offers two other options for those interested in becoming a registered nurse. The Traditional ASN Program is best suited for students who can attend classes and clinicals through the week and is four full-time semesters over the fall and spring. The Nontraditional LPN-ASN Program is for licensed practical nurses who can attend online courses for two to three evenings a week and clinicals two Fridays a month. The Nontraditional program option is three full-time semesters from fall to fall.

School of NursingASNPart-Time Weekend ASN ProgramWeekend Part-Time ASN ProgramDr. Sharon Boni