Q&A - Why FastBacc?
By Adrianne R. Duvall-Ingram, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CNEcl (FastBacc Grad 2012)
Harris and Anne Clark FastBacc® Endowed Professor & FastBacc® Coordinator
- What advantages does FastBacc® offer compared to other accelerated programs?
FastBacc requires a huge personal sacrifice. Students move to the Dallas area and are in classes and clinicals from May to May. The schedule can be quite daunting. It requires dedication and lots of focus. FastBacc students often repeat the mantra, “I can do anything for a year.” Even so, we know a lot of life will continue to happen within that year. Our cohorts are made of students from all walks of life – from parents of young children, new college grads, mid-career students with large families, first-generation college graduates, students who commute, and beyond. Each of these life stressors affects FastBacc students throughout their year-long program. The THING which sets Baylor’s FastBacc apart is our student support. From the minute they talk to admissions all the way through working with their instructors, student support, chaplain, and Coordinator during the program, students are lifted and supported throughout the entire process. We care deeply about our students and want them to be successful from start to finish!
- What distinguishes a Baylor LHSON FastBacc® graduate?
Baylor FastBacc students set themselves apart as smart, critically thinking nurses who are great at working in teams. Most have had previous work experience in varying fields. This kind of diversity helps the cohort remain robust and interesting, and learn from the experiences of their peers. It also shows employers their ability to adapt, learn quickly, and succeed in a challenging environment. FastBacc has a solid reputation in the Dallas area and even beyond Texas for producing excellent, caring nurses.
- What do FastBacc® students love most about the program, in your opinion?
Without a doubt, the daily interaction with faculty and staff. We have a fantastic faculty, proven curriculum, and individual support which makes the accelerated program a success. By definition, a FastBacc student has had experience with other schools, universities, and programs, and they will tell you the FastBacc program is a cut above the rest. The kind of supportive relationships we build with students lasts for years as alumni. When you get a Baylor degree, you are an alumna for life – graduate school assistance, life, job, etc. We are here for our FastBacc students while they are in Dallas, but also anytime they need us once they graduate!
- Describe the FastBacc® faculty and how they make a difference in the student’s education?
We have particularly amazing faculty teaching in FastBacc! Faculty are available to students, offering tutoring or extra support when needed, and they all truly care about each student’s growth. FastBacc faculty are top notch educators with a wide range of nursing experience that they use to foster an excellent learning environment and help our FastBacc grads finish strong, ready to take on the big wide world of nursing in the 21st century!
Students also enjoy the unique camaraderie that develops within each cohort – when you spend this much time together, you’re developing lifelong friendships and a network of future colleagues. The FastBacc cohorts work to support each other from within with the support from the rest of the Baylor family.
Bonus Notes: FastBacc® at the Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing was started in the summer of 2009. The first cohort graduated in May 2010 and in May 2024 we graduated our 15th cohort! The track consistently achieves very high NCLEX pass rates and great job placements. For admissions information, please click here.