Accelerated second-degree bachelor of science in nursing program in South Korea: Current status and future directions

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of colleges implementing the accelerated second-degree bachelor of science in nursing program in South Korea and provide insight into strategies to improve the program outcomes.Methods: An on-line questionnaire developed for this study was emailed to deans of nursing colleges who were members of the Korean Association of College of Nursing. Questions included items related to nursing college, students, curriculum, and anticipated difficulty in relation to an increase of the number of second-degree students.Results: Out of 117 nursing schools, 33 schools (28.2%) participated in the on-line survey. The actual number of second-degree students and their ratio (about 10%) to regular students significantly increased in 2019. Male students were enrolled nearly twice as many times as regular students. Among the anticipated difficulties, clinical practice institutions (3.94) and clinical practice instructors (3.73) showed relatively higher scores than other difficulties such as teaching (3.58) and education facilities (3.30).Conclusion: In order to improve the quality of nursing education for second-degree students, more nursing faculties and innovative clinical practice support systems are needed. Future study is warranted to investigate the educational experience of second-degree students and graduates.