Troy University has launched a new Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing, MSN, track, an innovative pathway designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and seek to transition into a professional nursing career.
The new pathway will include both online and in-person classes. The in-person courses will be held at TROY’s Dothan Campus.
The new track was announced at a press conference on Wednesday, December 10 in the Thomas Harrison Room of Malone Hall on the Dothan Campus.
The Accelerated MSN program allows students with any non-nursing bachelor’s degree to become entry-level registered nurses and prepares them to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination upon completion. The program is structured as an intensive, full-time curriculum spanning four consecutive semesters.
“The launch of the Accelerated MSN track reflects Troy University’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Alabama’s healthcare system,” said Dr. LaGary Carter, dean of the College of Health Sciences.
“This program expands access to the nursing profession for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds while strengthening the pipeline of highly educated clinicians our region depends on,” Dr. Carter said. “As we continue to enhance advanced nursing education across all campuses—including our cornerstone BSN program in Dothan—we are preparing graduates who will elevate patient care and lead in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.”
“The Accelerated MSN track was intentionally designed to immerse students in clinical learning from day one,” said Dr. Wade Forehand, director of the School of Nursing.
“With four consecutive semesters of rigorous coursework, integrated simulation, and extensive hands-on practice, students develop strong clinical judgment and the confidence needed for real-world nursing,” Dr. Forehand said. “Our goal is to prepare graduates who not only pass the NCLEX-RN but who enter the workforce ready to provide exceptional, evidence-based care from their very first shift.”
During the event, Alabama Representative Paul Lee, who serves as chairman of the House Health Committee, praised Troy University for its proactive approach to addressing the state’s nursing shortage.
“Seeing a problem, understanding the problem, and acting on that problem — that’s exactly what Troy University has done,” Lee said. “As Chairman of the House Health Committee, I am proud to see Troy University investing in solutions that directly benefit our region.”
Lee emphasized that programs like the Accelerated MSN track are essential to building a resilient healthcare workforce and ensuring that Alabama communities have access to high-quality, well-prepared nurses.
Danne Howard, president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association, also spoke to the urgency of expanding nursing education pathways. She referenced recent findings from the Alabama Department of Labor, noting that more than 4,000 nursing positions remain unfilled in hospitals across the state, a shortage that places significant strain on healthcare facilities and patient care.
Addressing prospective students in attendance, Howard emphasized the essential role they will play in strengthening Alabama’s healthcare workforce.
“We look forward to having the ability to work with Troy University and others to help grow this program,” she said.
Howard closed with a reminder of the resilience and hope that defines the nursing profession, quoting Florence Nightingale: “How little can be done in the spirit of fear? But how much can be done in the spirit of hope?”
“This program is more than hope, but our belief that it’s going to make the impact that everyone intended it to make,” she said.
Jeff Brannon, vice president of Business Development at Flowers Hospital and Chairman of the Alabama Hospital Association’s Workforce Committee, emphasized the strong interest the program is already generating within the community.
“I believe very strongly that this master’s accelerated pathway for the nursing program is crucial to building a stable workforce—not only for Dothan, but potentially for the entire state or region,” he said.
He also spoke about the broader impact the program could have on the future of nursing education and leadership development. By equipping graduates with advanced preparation and leadership competencies, Brannon noted that the program positions them to pursue doctoral education, advance into nursing leadership, or even become future faculty members who will help sustain and grow nursing programs like this one.
The program totals 63 credit hours, where students are immersed in clinical practice from the start, ensuring they graduate with strong, hands-on experience and readiness for the demands of modern healthcare. In addition, the curriculum includes competencies in nursing leadership, equipping graduates for future roles in hospital leadership, care coordination, and managerial positions.
Applications are now open.
