Eight students from the University of Vermont's Direct Entry Nursing program recently volunteered at the Strong Minds Healthy Athletes screening during Special Olympics Vermont events, working alongside Clinical Assistant Professor Abilene Smith.
Through one-on-one conversations with athletes, students shared strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and supporting emotional well-being.
The experience provided a meaningful opportunity for students to apply their health promotion and patient education skills in a community setting. By helping athletes explore practical approaches to mental wellness, students gained valuable experience in person-centered care while supporting the health and well-being of Special Olympics participants.
About UVM's Direct Entry Nursing Programs
UVM offers two accelerated pathways for individuals who hold bachelor's degrees in fields other than nursing and are seeking careers in healthcare.
The Master of Science in Nursing Entry program povides an accelerated route into the nursing profession while preparing students for advanced nursing practice and leadership roles. The program combines an intensive pre-licensure nursing curriculum with graduate-level coursework, equipping students with the clinical knowledge, professional competencies, and leadership skills needed to enter the nursing workforce and pursue advanced career opportunities.
The Direct Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares future nurse practitioners through an accelerated pathway that does not require a prior nursing degree. Students specialize as either Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) or Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNP), gaining advanced clinical expertise through rigorous coursework, immersive clinical experiences, and doctoral-level scholarship. Graduates are prepared to provide high-quality, evidence-based primary care and address the evolving healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities.