350 students in School of Nursing to graduate early, get head start in licensing exam

The Rutgers School of Nursing announced today that approximately 350 nursing students will graduate early, according to a press release.

This announcement comes after both the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy announced their students would be graduating early to begin working to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, The Daily Targum previously reported.

“In this unprecedented moment, we encourage our graduates to move forward in their careers in ways that are most appropriate for them,” said Linda Flynn, interim dean of the School of Nursing, according to the release. “But we are extraordinarily proud and confident that our graduates are talented, highly skilled and well prepared to enter the workforce as competent and compassionate nurses.”

A majority of the student’s seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing will complete their requirements by the end of April, according to the release. Due to this, the School of Nursing will recognize May 1 as the official degree conferral date.

This will offer graduates the opportunity to take the nursing licensure exam at an earlier date and begin working as early as possible, according to the release. Graduates will be formally recognized by the School of Nursing during a convocation ceremony on Dec. 1.

This early graduation will not apply to students enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, according to the School of Nursing’s website. Due to differing clinical requirements for graduate students, they will graduate at the original graduation date in May.