PATHWAY CONNECTION

The Nursing Summer Immersive Badge Program provided a structured non-credit learning opportunity for nursing students at Bergen Community College during a time when traditional summer courses are not offered. Designed for students entering their final year of study, the program offered immersive experiences in Oncology Nursing and Emergency Medicine—two high-need specialties identified by advisory board partners.

Participants engaged in a rigorous summer program that included 20 hours of virtual didactic instruction, 4 hours of skills-based simulation lab, and 48 hours of in-person clinical rotations delivered in four 12-hour shifts. The program was led by faculty with over three decades of experience in their respective specialties, offering students the opportunity to gain in-depth exposure to daily nursing responsibilities in real-world healthcare environments.

Upon successful completion, students were awarded digital badges through the Canvas learning management system, signaling to future employers their commitment to and experience in specialty areas of nursing. These badges can be shared in digital portfolios or resumes, supporting the students’ transition to employment or further education.

This non-credit immersive model provided meaningful clinical engagement over the summer, promoted continued skill development, and positioned students to enter the workforce with specialized training in high-demand nursing fields.