This spring marks a milestone achievement for the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh as Sienna Isaacson will be the first graduate of the nursing pathway 3+1 dual bachelor’s degree program. This accelerated nursing program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in biology at UW-Platteville and their Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) from UW-Oshkosh in four years. Students who enter this intensive healthcare program study three years of science coursework and preparatory curriculum at UW-Platteville before attending one year with UW-Oshkosh’s hybrid accelerated nursing program. Often, students find a supportive foundation for their education on the UW-Platteville campus. Through advising, scientific preparation, and connections between campuses, students are prepared as they make a seamless transition from their undergraduate studies through the BSN program.
“Going into college I knew that I wanted to end up somewhere in the healthcare field. With this said, being a biology major with an emphasis in health sciences just made sense as it would lay out the proper groundwork for me to do so,” said Isaacson. “The minute I toured the UW-Platteville campus I knew I was home.”
This rigorous, yet rewarding, program is not for the faint of heart. The Accelerated BSN program compresses traditional nursing coursework into an intensive year of study, ideal for students who have a strong preparation in the sciences. At UW-Platteville, creating a strong foundation for student success is key. The learning that takes place within the classroom is nurtured through connections with faculty, staff, and advisors in the biology program who offer support systems for students as they progress through the program. Isaacson found this support system early in her college career at UW-Platteville. She credits her academic advisor for advocating for her as she realized her passion for patient care.
“Nadia Sifri, my academic advisor since freshman year at UW-Platteville was a pillar in my success as a student,” said Isaacson. “Originally, she was the individual who introduced me to the program, and she was right by my side every step of the way. She advocated for me in all shapes and forms. Nadia went out of her way to answer every single one of my questions thoroughly and routinely checked up on me throughout the program once I was a UW-Oshkosh student. With the accel nursing program being fast paced, Nadia was part of the reason why I felt confident, knowledgeable, and prepared as a student.”
These support systems are also evident within the informal peer mentorships that form among the 3+1 nursing pathway students as they progress in their studies between campuses. For instance, Ella Jackering is in her third year at UW-Platteville and about seven months into the accelerated nursing program. Although she began her study at UW-Platteville undecided, Jackering soon discovered a passion for nursing. Having early guidance from her advisors on the UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh campuses in addition to help from the students who have entered the program before her is valuable as she progresses through this fast-moving program.
“My early guidance from Nadia at UW-Platteville and my UW-Oshkosh advisor allowed me to ensure I finished all of the academic requirements and transferred all of my credits to be able to enroll in the program,” explained Jackering. “Additionally, I have reached out to Sienna periodically with questions and she has been a huge help and motivation. Being supported across both institutions is something that I am grateful for and realize that not many people get to experience. It is nice to be able to have additional resources and people who want to see you succeed. This program is challenging but so rewarding!”
Isaacson has recently accepted a nursing residency with UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin with the neuroscience general care unit. As she transitions out of the classroom and into the field, she leaves as a proud UW-Platteville and UW-Oshkosh and alumna.
“I am incredibly thankful for the experiences I gained and the personal growth I saw within myself these past four years. The faculty of the biology department at UW-Platteville are one-of-a-kind and are exceptional people. Three years was not enough with them,” said Isaacson. “I felt valued as a student and as a person by them and something that makes the biology department unique at UW-Platteville is the passion that the professors have for their teaching. This had a profound impact on me as a student. Likewise, the faculty and professors at UW-Oshkosh supported my journey every step of the way during the accel nursing program.”
For more information about the accelerated nursing program, visit www.uwplatt.edu/program/accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing. UW-Platteville healthcare alumni are welcome to reconnect with the Department of Biology to assist in answering student questions, participate in virtual panels, or engage in mentoring opportunities by emailing biology@uwplatt.edu.