Starting this August, residents in the Austin area will have a quicker path to obtaining a nursing degree.

In response to a nationwide nursing shortage, Concordia University Texas in Northwest Austin is offering an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track that students can complete in 16 months

Through the new program, students can use existing non-nursing college credits combined with online courses, on-site lab work and clinic rotations through Seton Healthcare Family to earn the degree.

“With many nurses retiring out of the profession, it is our duty to keep up with the demand by providing more educational options,” said Kathryn Lauchner, director of Concordia’s school of nursing, in a news release. “Our Accelerated BSN program in Austin will provide students the opportunity to develop critical-thinking, leadership and communication skills, allowing them to bridge the nursing gap and excel in a variety of health care professions.”

The ABSN track program has three start dates each year with the first class beginning in August. More information is available at http://absn.concordia.edu.