In an effort to meet
a critical need for better trained and educated nurses, RNs with two-year
degrees from a Wisconsin technical college can now fully apply those credits
toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion program in the Ruth S.
Coleman College of Nursing at Cardinal Stritch University.
The agreement originated between Stritch and Milwaukee
Area Technical College, but the same approach has also been made available to
nursing graduates of all 16 Wisconsin technical colleges.
According to a Bureau
of Labor Statistics report in 2012, nursing is identified as the occupation
with the largest projected employment growth from 2010-2020, with an
anticipated 26 percent increase in demand.
In 2010, a report by the Institute of Medicine cited the need for nurses
to achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved and
seamless education system.
“A strong partnership
with each of the 16 technical colleges provides an educational pathway to
Stritch which will ensure a seamless transition to an advanced degree,” said
Kelly J. Dries, dean of the College of Nursing. “Nursing education is charged
with meeting workforce needs for nurses who provide safe, seamless, quality
patient care. A partnership with the technical collages is an essential step in
meeting this need.”
Stritch’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Completion program is
designed for registered nurses who are looking for enhanced career
opportunities, promotions, and management positions. The program uses adult
learning theory as the basis for the design of the courses so that projects are
designed for working registered nurses and have meaning for them in their work.
The program is accredited through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education.
“This new
relationship between Stritch and WTCS opens the door of opportunity to scores
of high-quality nurses who are looking to advance their training and education,”
said Stritch President Dr. James Loftus. “Stritch’s commitment to exemplary nursing
training dates back to 1980, and we are proud partners with the 16 Wisconsin
technical colleges to meet a critical community need.”
“This is the type of
innovative approach that I believe you’ll see more and more often,” said Morna
Foy, president of WTCS. “It makes career progression very attainable for our
highly skilled nursing graduates.”
The Ruth S. Colman College of Nursing is a leader in
combining education innovation with clinical practice. The college is engaged
in multi-faceted, collaborative partnerships with health care organizations and
academic facilities through southeastern Wisconsin.