4 minute read
A Muskie's Journey from Computer Science to Nursing
You don’t always have a childhood dream,” reflects Andrew Marczewski ’17 ’23. "Sometimes you have a dream later in life and you can go back and pursue it. Muskingum’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program enabled me to do that.
“When I first attended Muskingum, I majored in computer science,” Andrew recalls. “I graduated in December 2017, and worked as a software developer for Wiley Companies, a chemical manufacturer in Coshocton, Ohio for almost four years.
“Even though I have several family members who are nurses, I had never considered becoming one myself. In March 2020, however, I found myself filling a caregiver role for my older sister who had breast cancer. During the following years before she lost her battle in February 2022, I had a series of experiences that led me to change my perspective. Spending time in medical settings I grew to more deeply appreciate the level of competency, intelligence, and level-headedness many nurses exhibited in their practice. I also began to reflect on the importance of showing mercy and compassion on those who are suffering.
“As a Muskingum alum, I knew the University’s nursing program was highly regarded. When I discovered they had an accelerated track in which I could finish my degree in 15 months, I reached out through the website and very quickly received a phone call from Nursing Professor Joe Shaeffer. He was incredibly helpful in laying out everything I needed to do to enroll and how to complete the required prerequisites for the program.”
Andrew started taking prerequisite courses in April 2022, began the program at Muskingum in August 2022, and graduated in December 2023.
“One great thing about Muskingum is the classroom culture. The professors have a tremendous commitment to our success. They push us to do well but will always take the time to help when needed. The ABSN is a very intense and challenging program and you need to put in the work to learn a lot in a short period of time, but it was very rewarding and definitely worth the effort. The program prepared me to be successful in what I am doing now.
“The experience of earning my first Muskingum undergraduate degree was helpful because I knew what was expected of me. I’m very happy that I made the career switch to nursing, but I haven’t counted out also using my computer science degree at some point in the future. There are many opportunities to apply that knowledge to healthcare technology and research, and I think it’s important to remain open to exploring new possibilities throughout your career.”
After earning his BSN degree, Andrew accepted a job with Ohio State University Hospital, the flagship patient care facility of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
“I work in one of the hospital’s Progressive Care Units with patients who require a level of care in between intensive care and a regular hospital setting. My Muskingum education prepared me well for my new career, where I make a difference in others’ lives.”
ABSN AT MUSKINGUM
Muskingum’s ABSN program is a second bachelor’s degree program designed for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and wish to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Through a combination of online and face-to-face oncampus classes, students complete the program and earn their BSN degree in just 15 months.
Assistant Professor of Nursing Macey Carson is the Coordinator and Advisor for the ABSN Program. “Our program offers an amazing opportunity for students to transition into a rewarding career. At the same time, we are helping to address the critical need for nurses in our regional workforce,” she said. “The job market for nurses is in high demand, with employers offering strong salaries and flexibility in location, schedules, and work environments.
“Our ABSN program is known for building critical thinking and technical skills through hands-on, evidence-based practice in our state-of-the art nursing laboratory,” she explained. “Classes are taught by experienced and supportive faculty. Small class sizes and personalized advising, academic resources, and mentoring support our students in becoming independent and accomplished learners, setting the stage for their long-term professional success. Students complete their clinical experiences in a variety of different settings, which prepares them to meet employers’ expectations and allows them to explore diverse practice areas.”
ABSN students entering Muskingum beginning in Fall 2024 have the opportunity to receive Choose Ohio First Scholarships, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to help support students enrolled in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
For more information, visit www.muskingum.edu/gcs/accelerated-nursing or contact maceyc@muskingum.edu or 740-826-6168.
