EAST LANSING, Mich. — A new agreement between Michigan State University’s College of Nursing and Macomb Community College outlines a comprehensive strategy to advance nursing education by making it easier for associate degree in nursing students to take classes at MSU and graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
The agreement offers concurrent enrollment and transfer admission from the Macomb Community College associate degree in nursing program into MSU’s online Bachelor of Science in nursing program for registered nurses, or RN to BSN program.
The partnership aims to address the federal Institute of Medicine’s 2010 recommendations in The Future of Nursing report for nurses to achieve higher levels of education. To help increase the number of nurses with bachelor’s degrees to 80 percent by 2020, Macomb students will be eligible to apply to MSU’s RN to BSN program during their first semester of enrollment in the associate degree in nursing program.
“MSU is pleased to support workforce development in nursing by providing a seamless dual enrollment program for students at Macomb Community College,” said MSU Provost Kim Wilcox.
The affiliation agreement, signed May 24 at Macomb, outlines the terms and commitments for both institutions. Students will be eligible for the program beginning this fall.
“This agreement allows MSU and Macomb to develop a nursing workforce that is adept at providing the highest quality care while addressing critical barriers in healthcare delivery,” said MSU College of Nursing Dean Mary Mundt. “It highlights our shared commitment to advance nursing education and defines a clear pathway for students.”
Major components of the agreement include:
--Students admitted to the MSU RN to BSN program will enroll in two summer sessions at MSU while simultaneously completing their associate degree program.
--Students will be eligible to continue enrollment in the MSU RN to BSN program upon graduation from the associate degree program.
--MSU will provide academic advisors onsite at Macomb Community College and work collaboratively to ensure ease of application and transition to the online RN to BSN program.
--Students will enroll in pathophysiology during their first summer session at MSU.
Along with MSU Senior Associate Provost June Youatt and Macomb Provost and Vice President James Sawyer, also signing the agreement were representatives including: Dean of MSU’s College of Nursing, Mary Mundt; Dean of Macomb’s Health and Public Services, Charlene McPeak.
“This agreement is an innovative option for Macomb nursing students, providing for a seamless and more timely path in which to complete their BSN,” said McPeak. “The agreement illustrates our ongoing commitment to collaborating with high-quality educational partners, maximizing use of educational resources while increasing opportunities and benefits for our students.”
MSU has a long history of educating nurses, with a commitment of over 40 years to the RN to BSN program. Macomb Community College has been educating nurses at the associate degree level since 1967.
Through this partnership agreement, MSU and Macomb aim to infuse a greater number of baccalaureate prepared nurses into the Michigan healthcare workforce.
The mission of Michigan State University's College of Nursing (nursing.msu.edu) is to enhance the health of the community by providing excellence in nursing education, nursing research and nursing practice. We will advance the profession of nursing and serve as an advocate for optimal health care for all people. The College currently enrolls more than 500 undergraduate and graduate students. Its 80 faculty members represent a diverse blend of leading scholars and distinguished healthcare professionals who bring real world experience to the classroom.
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 50,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor-degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
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