Innovation in Academic Progression: Progress of the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium Model.

AIM The Institute of Medicine (IOM) challenged nursing education programs to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree in nursing to 80 percent by 2020. BACKGROUND All 18 state-funded prelicensure nursing programs in New Mexico joined forces to create the New Mexico Nursing Education Consortium (NMNEC). METHOD NMNEC is a model of collaboration with a statewide common curriculum that provides seamless transferability for students between schools while offering the BSN on community college campuses. RESULTS Over three years, university partnerships with community colleges increased prelicensure BSN seats by 77 percent. CONCLUSION This article describes the NMNEC model, challenges and opportunities associated with implementation, current program outcomes, and factors that have contributed to NMNEC's success. Also discussed are future steps for sustainability and growth as NMNEC continues in its commitment to meeting the IOM challenge.