Amid the growing need for registered nurses in the U.S., a pioneer program at the University of Detroit Mercy is offering a speedier way for those with bachelor’s degrees to begin their nursing careers.

The Master’s Entry Advanced Generalist Nursing (MEAGN) program allows bachelor recipients to get a graduate-level degree in nursing in less than 17 months, a release issued on the university's website said.The program is looking for 24 students ahead of its January 2021 start.

“We have created an innovative program, combining graduate and nursing courses with clinical experiences to prepare students for the health care workforce” Lori Glenn, a clinical associate professor at Detroit Mercy’s College of Health Professions & McAuley School of Nursing, said in the release. “Graduate level courses provide additional opportunities to enhance critical thinking, develop leadership, promote evidence-based practice, impact population health and advocate for patients and the profession.”

MEAGN participants will also enjoy other program benefits, such as a reduced student-faculty ratio, prep activities for the National Council Examination (NCLEX) and preferred admissions status to post-graduate studies at the university.