Early Start Propels UToledo Nursing Senior to Fast-Track Graduation

Early Start Propels UToledo Nursing Senior to Fast-Track Graduation

At the age of 20, Anna Bredernitz is now set to graduate from UToledo in May with her bachelor of science degree in nursing.

And it's all through getting a head start on her college courses as far back as high school.

"I started taking classes at Oakland Community College during my junior year of high school," Bredernitz said. "I was admitted to UToledo as a freshman, but with 70 college credits on my transcript, I was able to start hands-on nursing courses right away."

Bredernitz said she always had a passion for learning, and having the ability to start college early fit her personality and learning style. Nursing was an easy choice when it came to picking her major.

"I love having the privilege to connect with patients and their families during the most challenging times of their lives, and I enjoy providing patient education, which is such a huge part of the nurse role."

Bredernitz was drawn to UToledo for the lively nursing community present on campus.

"I get to interact with health science students from all different disciplines every time I am on the Health Science Campus or participating in projects such as the University's CommunityCare Clinics," Bredernitz said. "I appreciate UToledo's interdisciplinary approach to education and clinical experiences."

Eric Gullufsen, an academic adviser in the College of Nursing, was instrumental in helping Bredernitz transfer her credits to UToledo and offering her support throughout the process and beyond.

"Anna has been a pleasure to work with and to serve," Gullufsen said. "She is highly gifted, organized, hardworking and dedicated. She also has a winning personality and can-do attitude, which bodes well for her already bright future. She will no doubt go far in her professional career and personal life."

Over the summer, Bredernitz had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in her field, working as a nurse associate extern at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in Cleveland.

"I worked one-on-one with registered nurses on the floor to care for pre- and post-op patients receiving kidney, liver and small bowel transplants," Bredernitz said. "I also attended skills labs and lectures with other nurse externs, and I participated in Experience Days on different units including the emergency department, medical ICU and inpatient behavioral health."

After her early graduation, Bredernitz said she plans to eventually return to school to pursue her doctor of nursing practice and become dually certified as a family nurse practitioner and nurse midwife.

With her future full of possibilities, she thanks UToledo for her success as a nursing student.

"At UToledo, you will be supported even before you start classes at the campus," Bredernitz said. "Once you're here, the faculty across the entire College of Nursing, from both the undergraduate and graduate levels, will collaborate with you to ensure you are getting the most out of your time at the University."