Nursing program partnership between Glen Oaks Community College and Baker College supported with state grant
The funding received will cover tuition and other fees for 130 students who have earned an Associate Degree of Nursing from Glen Oaks Community College and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Baker College.
Glen Oaks Community College and Baker College are continuing their partnership that provides a pathway for students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree thanks to a grant provided by the State of Michigan in the amount of $2 million. The partnership program has been successful, giving students a simplified pathway toward earning a further degree in nursing, and the new grant will fund tuition for 130 more students to follow the pathway through September 2026.
According to an article on Glen Oaks Community College’s website, Randy Hill, Ed.D., who serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Baker College, was quoted as saying of the partnership between the two schools, “We are proud of our collaboration, creating a seamless educational pathway for our students. Our partnership with Glen Oaks Community College highlights the power of partnership in higher education, leading to shared expertise and innovative teaching practices that will prepare students for growth and advancement in the healthcare industry.”
The partnership between Glen Oaks Community College and Baker College comes in the form of a zero-tuition pathway for Glen Oaks graduates who have earned an Associate Degree of Nursing to continue on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing online from Baker College. At Baker College, students can receive their BSN in as few as three semesters as a full time student or six semesters as a part time student.
Skyler Ford, one student who has used the pathway to continue his career, shared his enthusiasm for the program and all of the benefits it offers to students like him. He is quoted as saying, “I graduated from Glen Oaks with my ADN in 2009. Like many new grads, I entered the workforce quickly, intending to enroll in a BSN program later. Years passed, and ‘later’ was replaced by other priorities like family and career advancement. The Glen Oaks RN-BSN program, in partnership with Baker College, incentivized returning to school and removed previous barriers to entry. Glen Oaks’ decision to reinvest grant funding into its alumni shows its dedication to students and the community. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. The partnership with Baker College has been a great fit, as they also embrace a student-focused philosophy. The RN to BSN program curriculum is challenging but fair, and the nursing faculty has been extremely responsive and attentive. The skills and competencies I have gained will undoubtedly benefit me personally and professionally as I continue my nursing career.”
The program currently has 51 Glen Oaks Community College graduates enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Baker College, and 44 more will begin classes at Baker College in the Fall 2024 semester.
Dr. Adam Cloutier, the Vice President of Academics at Glen Oaks Community College, shared, “We are thrilled to further our mission of advancing the nursing profession in Michigan. This grant provides crucial financial support, ensuring our students have the resources needed for success.”
For more information about Glen Oaks Community College, visit the school’s website.
More information about Baker College can be found on its website.