JMU School of Nursing to offer expedited bachelor’s degree pathway

James Madison University will offer an expedited pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) starting in summer 2026.  

Students in the Fast Flex BSN pathway will be able to complete the degree in one calendar year, compared with two years in the traditional program, by taking evening, weekend and summer courses. The innovative option is designed to provide greater flexibility for students balancing work, family and educational commitments. 

The pathway will follow a streamlined sequence of courses: 

• Summer (shortened, fast-paced semester) 

• Fall  

• Spring  

• Summer (shortened, fast-paced semester; degree conferral in August) 

Summer sessions will provide the same experiences offered during the traditional 16-week semester in a shorter, focused format. 

The application process will be the same as the traditional BSN program. Details about the opening date of the first application cycle will be announced in the spring. The first of three information sessions about the Fast Flex BSN option will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in Room 4041 of the College of Health and Behavioral Studies Building adjacent to the Student Success Center on the campus west of Interstate 81. 

Jamie Robinson, associate director for undergraduate nursing, said, “The Fast Flex BSN is an exciting expansion of our mission to prepare practice-ready nurses who can meet the evolving health care needs of our communities.” 

The expansion of JMU’s nursing program is helping to address the critical nursing shortage in Virginia and was made possible by a one-time appropriation from the state. JMU will continue to advocate for ongoing financial support to ensure the long-term viability of the nursing program expansion and the growth of other high-demand health care programs at the university. 

For more information about the Fast Flex BSN and to register for an information session, visit https://www.jmu.edu/chbs/nursing/bsn-fastflex/index.shtml  or contact the JMU School of Nursing at BSN-FastFlex@jmu.edu.