Adding the summer cohort is a key step toward mitigating the nursing shortage in Alabama and beyond. The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing welcomed its first summer cohort of 72 students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Pathway on May 13, expanding to year‑round enrollment to address Alabama’s nursing workforce needs.
“As Alabama’s top-ranked nursing program, we are proud to be driving growth in nursing education, expanding our number of graduates, and equipping them with the skills and readiness they need to thrive in today’s workforce,” said Maria R. Shirey, Ph.D., dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair.
With the addition of the summer cohort, BSN students are admitted during all three semesters, with most graduates accepting positions and practicing in Alabama.
“The addition of this cohort reflects both the rising interest in the nursing profession and our continued focus on expanding Alabama’s nursing workforce,” said Katie Parris, DNP, associate professor and associate dean of Undergraduate and Prelicensure Education. “It is exciting to welcome this group of motivated students and give them the chance to join the profession and begin their journey earlier.”
Hannah Steele, a first-semester BSN student and Dean’s Nursing Scholar, admitted into nursing school during her senior year of high school because of academic achievement, says she was initially drawn to the summer cohort because of its smaller size.
“I knew I wanted to form a close connection with students in my cohort and with the faculty,” Steele said. “As I learned more about the summer cohort, I was also motivated by the nursing shortage. Being able to enter the workforce even a little earlier means I can start helping sooner.”
The early involvement and exposure opportunities of the pre-nursing track added to Steele’s interest in UAB’s program. Through the School of Nursing Freshman Year Experience course, she gained early clinical exposure, which helped her explore specialties to pursue after graduation.
- 19 percent of all BSN graduates in the state of Alabama are UAB School of Nursing graduates
- UAB School of Nursing produces 44 percent of all University of Alabama System BSN graduates
- U.S. News & World Report ranks the BSN Program No. 13 in the nation, No. 1 in Alabama
- The Student Success Champions program has helped reduce BSN attrition to 2 percent
“I spent time shadowing in the emergency room, and it was incredible because that experience is what sparked my interest in working in emergency and acute care once I graduate,” Steele said. “I also had the opportunity to shadow a certified registered nurse anesthetist at UAB St. Vincent’s, which opened my eyes to the roles they play in the operating room.”
Steele attended a panel of the Student Nurses’ Association, where nursing students shared insights into the program. She built valuable relationships and served as chair of the Student Nurses’ Association Junior Board, which promotes involvement for pre-nursing students.
“I knew I wanted to help pre‑nursing students get acclimated early, so I joined the junior board,” Steele said. “They offered study tips, professional development, and chances for students to get their feet in the door and start understanding the ropes of nursing school.”
Steele found ways to connect with her future classmates and faculty. She met several members of her cohort during a CPR certification class and continued building those relationships during the program’s information session.
“I’ve been with the same people these past two years through prerequisites, which has allowed us all to form close relationships,” Steele said. “The Student Success in Nursing course during my freshman year gave me study tips, introduced me to faculty and helped me adjust to the transition from high school to college.”
The summer cohort will follow the same five‑semester curriculum as the fall and spring BSN cohorts and enjoy the same support and engagement opportunities such as the Student Success Champions program, the Nursing Honors Program, the Student Nurse Internship Program and the Student Nurses’ Association.
According to Shirey, some of the most exceptional opportunities the students have are the hands‑on clinical experiences across UAB’s academic health science campus, located within walking distance from the nursing school.
“As the first summer BSN cohort, these students are instrumental in helping meet the growing needs of the nursing workforce,” Shirey said. “We are dedicated to ensuring our students receive the support and exceptional clinical training needed to succeed academically and be fully prepared for practice. Our academic and clinical partnerships, both on-campus and in the community, allow us to provide students with robust clinical experiences across multiple care settings.”
Learn more about the BSN Pathway or register to attend an upcoming info session.