Sumner College an Early Adopter of Online Learning
![](https://www.sumnercollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/online-640x360.png)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sumner College an Early Adopter of Online Learning
Educating Through COVID-19, To Send Nurses to The Frontline
By Wendy Larimer
The question of whether schools will be reopening for in-person learning is at the forefront of every student’s mind. As it becomes more apparent that COVID-19 is in no rush to leave, the difficult decision to keep schools closed as a matter of safety is becoming a more common solution. Schools that have been early adopters of online learning are ahead of the curve, and in the case of Sumner College in Portland, leading the way for how a college can embrace change and find success.
Sumner College’s sole focus is healthcare, offering certificates and degrees for Medical Assistants, Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses. Joanna Russell, President of the college, said the short turnaround from start to graduation makes the college and its courses appealing to non-traditional and traditional students. Becoming a Medical Assistant can be achieved in 7 and a half months, an LPN in 13 months, and an RN takes just two years. That combined with a 100 percent retention in the RN program has made Sumner an attractive option for those already in or wanting to be in the medical field.
Since 1974 when Sumner opened its doors, the college has been delivering on-campus learning, with the exception of the new RN to BSN degree program that launched in June. That program is designed to be fully online to accommodate the full-time RN’s who want to keep working, but also expand their skills and earning potential. No one saw that the entry into online learning would become a tremendous benefit to the school just a few months later.
When COVID-19 hit in March and in-class learning was shut down, Sumner found itself in an ideal position to quickly transition. With the platform for online delivery already in place, and many part-time nurses teaching in the program, it took the college only one week to transition all classes to from the traditional on-campus format to on online platform.
The school moved to a hybrid model where all the required classes were still taught by nursing faculty and held via Zoom conferencing. With classes moved online, there was ample classroom space to shift in-person labs from a student ratio of 12 to 1, to 3 to 1, to allow for safer distancing and less exposure. Simulation is now part of the curriculum where students are assigned a patient, they check symptoms, diagnose the patient, and create a care plan, all via video and under the watchful eye of an instructor. The students work on each patient for 3 to 4 hours. The virtual simulation helps fill the void for some in-person clinical experience which is not always readily available as many medical centers have limited who can be on-site.
Outside of the curriculum, Sumner also proved ready to go online as they already provide laptops with cameras to incoming students as part of their admissions. “We were already equipping students with the tools they needed to be successful with online learning,” Russell said.
Beyond infrastructure, Sumner is also in a prime position to be a leader in medical training. Nurses have become essential workers and demand for them has skyrocketed. With immediate jobs to fill and graduates average starting salaries of $50,000 for an LPN and close to $70,000 for RN, students are recognizing a viable career choice and turning to Sumner.
Russell says she’s never seen anything like the rush of students who have applied to Sumner over the past few months. “We are in a moment in time where individuals who want to get into the medical field feel this is my time to do it,” she said.
While Sumner has been reaping the benefits of its ability to quickly adapt to a changing way of learning, other institutions have not been as fortunate. Earlier this year Concordia University shut its doors and later Pioneer Pacific also found itself unable to accommodate its students. Recognizing college shutdowns left some nursing students stranded, Sumner College stepped in to assist those who were displaced with transfers and scholarships so students could complete their education at Sumner.
A transfer program was approved whereby students in good standing can transfer more than 25 percent of their coursework to Sumner as a “block transfer.” Any remaining courses can be completed at Sumner allowing the student to graduate as planned. “The program has worked well. We’ve been able to transfer over many students who start classes with us August 17,” Russell said.
Sumner also created a scholarship initiative, offering $5,000 to students who were accepted or enrolled into the nursing program at Concordia. The scholarship can be applied to any of Sumner’s nursing programs and all previous coursework is transferable so students don’t have to pay to repeat classes. There is $250,000 available in the scholarship program.
The dual benefit of online learning in a high demand field, is creating a boom for Sumner and has proved to Russell that online is the direction to head. She said the school is attracting newcomers who couldn’t relocate to attend the campus classes, as well as those already working in the field who want to expand their education and earning potential, but keep a balance of work, school and home.
“Navigating the transition from on campus to online was a challenge, but it has been very, very successful. The students were able to adapt to the new online environment quickly, without sacrificing the quality of education. The hybrid model of delivering lecture content online and skills labs on campus as worked well for us. Most of our students are being placed a soon as they graduate and pass the NCLEX or sit for the AAMA certification” Russell said.
Sumner College has a history of helping students achieve their dreams and preparing them for success for over 45 years in Oregon. For more information about Sumner College visit www.SumnerCollege.edu
###
BSN Info Sessions – July
In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend either of these informative hour long presentations to learn more about the program, the requirements…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet The RN Advocating For Disabled Candidates
Applying for a new job can be overwhelming and stressful. For candidates with disabilities, the hiring process can be a disheartening experience. According to the CDC,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
NCLEX Study Strategies
Expert Test-Taking Strategies One of the first things you should do when you begin preparing for the NCLEX is to determine your learning style to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College: an excellent choice for those wishing to pursue a career in the health care field
In a message from our College President, Joanna S. Russell, she touches on how one of the strengths Sumner has is student engagement; focussing on…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Specialty Quiz
Unsure of what nursing specialty suits you best? Take this quiz to see what options align with you best! Content shared from J&J Nursing …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy 4th of July! Office is closed
Sumner college is celebrating our nation's independence! Our offices will be closed Thursday 7/4 and Friday 7/5.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
BSN Info Sessions – Register for July
We've opened up a few more seats to the BSN Info Sessions in July. In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend this…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing School Study Tips
Our Career Services Department has a number of great resources for students, including study tips for nursing school. Visit Career Services Study Tips …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Pulse | Summer 2024
Sumner College Newsletter | Summer 2024…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It! Do It! @SumnerCollege
Are you dreaming of becoming a Registered Nurse, but worried about the hurdles of prerequisite courses? Look no further! Sumner College offers a unique and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Is nursing your passion?
If you've always dreamed of making a difference in people's lives through compassionate care, then it's time to take the next step! Enrollment is now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Students – June Classes Start Today!
Today is the day that our new BSN, LPN and RN to BSN June 10th students embark on their nursing career. They've dreamed about it…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science Nursing | Start June 10th
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program at Sumner College is the only program in Oregon and Washington State that does not require students…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Practical Nursing | June 10th Classes Start
The Practical Nursing Program at Sumner College can fast-track you to a new career as an LPN in just 13 months. If you are compassionate…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Remember & Honor
On Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember and honor all who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs Advance your Nursing Career
If advancing your nursing education is part of your plans, you cannot miss this opportunity to meet Lois Hine, Sumner College RN to BSN Program…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
June BSN Info Sessions Now Open
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How Much Do Oregon’s Registered Nurses Earn? 2023 Oregon Wage Study
According to the survey results, RNs in Oregon earn an average hourly wage of $55.14, equating to an annual salary of $114,694. The Oregon Center…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Caregivers & Trailblazers: Four Nurse Innovators Redefining Healthcare
Johnson & Johnson has proudly championed the nursing profession for over 125 years because we know that for healthcare to work, it takes nurses. This National…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Self-Care RX
Graphic provided by OCN | Oregon Center for Nursing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Best Gift Ideas for Nurses
Whether it be a friend, family member, or acquaintance, you probably know a nurse or someone who works in healthcare. You could look at gifts…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Best Nursing Shoes for Men and Women
As a nurse, finding the perfect pair of shoes is crucial for long shifts filled with constant movement. But with so many options available, it…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
National Nurse Week
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6-12 ending on Florence Nightingale's birthday. The American Nurses Association (ANA) first recognized the week in 1990, and in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Psychiatric Nursing
While physical health is undoubtedly important, so is Mental Health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Psychiatric Nurses have the specialized…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New BSN Info Sessions – Register
The on-campus Information Session aims to offer valuable insights to individuals considering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Reserve a Spot…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs ready to pursue more?
Are you a Registered Nurse wondering what the next step is in your career? Considered your BSN? Sumner College's RN to BSN program can get…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Influence the Health and Wellbeing of Patients Every Day
As individuals, nurses directly influence the health and wellbeing of patients every day. Through frequent contact, nurses are best placed to encourage lifestyle changes in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Changes in Nursing
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Trades make a comeback with Gen Z Workers
America’s skilled trades — from nursing and plumbing to welding to construction — need more workers as boomers retire. Gen Z-ers are stepping up to fill…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations, Sumner College Graduates: Embracing New Beginnings
Congratulations to the new Sumner College nursing graduates. As the tassels are flipped and mortarboards soar into the sky, a chapter closes, and another begins.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn