Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing (LHSON) signed an articulation agreement with St. Edward’s University at a ceremony on September 22, 2017 in Waco, Texas. The new partnership will allow Austin-based St. Edward’s University students interested in pursuing a nursing career to be eligible to enter an accelerated post-baccalaureate FastBacc program at LHSON.

Under the new agreement, students who complete a Bachelor of Science degree at St. Edward’s University, including all prerequisite courses required by Baylor, will receive preferential admissions consideration over other non-Baylor students applying to the program. LHSON academic advisors will work with St. Edward’s faculty and staff to make sure interested St. Edward’s students are fulfilling all prerequisites and admission requirements, and Baylor faculty will also be available to interview FastBacc candidates. The Baylor LHSON FastBacc program will be immediately available to students entering St. Edward’s in the spring of 2017 and to current students who have fulfilled the requirements.

“We look forward to welcoming students from St. Edward’s University to our FastBacc program,” said Dean Shelley F. Conroy, EdD, MS, RN, CNE, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing. “Here at The Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing, we consider ourselves called to prepare the next generation of nurses to Learn, Lead, and Serve through the integration of faith and excellent academics.”

The FastBacc program is a rigorous, intensive 12-month program that combines traditional classroom learning, online courses, clinical and lab experiences, and hybrid interactive learning courses. Students who complete the FastBacc program are qualified to apply to the Board of Nursing to take the NCLEX licensure exam.

“Our new partnership with the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing provides us an important opportunity to help students continue their interest in nursing and develop their professional path,” said Jason De La Rosa, Associate Director of Pre-Health Professions at St. Edward’s University. “This program opens the door for future nursing students to better understand themselves, clarify their personal values, and recognize their responsibility to the world around them.”