Mid Michigan College partners with Central Michigan University to offer a path to obtain two nursing degrees

A new partnership between Mid Michigan College and Central Michigan University focuses on providing a streamlined process for nursing students to attain first an associate degree then a bachelor's in nursing. Through the associate degree program, students will earn their Registered Nurse certification so that they can begin to work as nurses while they complete their Bachelor of Nursing degree. The Joint Nursing Education Pathway (JNEP) is a three stage program in which students attend both colleges. Administrators say that this approach will help address a shortage of Registered Nurses in the region while providing a practical path for students who want to become nurses. 

A news release from Central Michigan University explains that the first phase of the JNEP will consist of two semesters of classes at CMU to meet prerequisites. Next, students will attend classes for four semesters at Mid Michigan College where they will earn an associate-level RN degree. In the final phase, students will take online courses through CMU to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Director of Nursing for CMU Health Professions, Kechinyere Iheduru-Anderson, said of JNEP, "We want people to come here and get a really great education from both colleges and fill in the need for nurses in this country."

Mid Michigan College also published a news release about the partnership, in which Barbara Wieszciecinski, Dean of Health Sciences and Director of Nursing-Mt. Pleasant at Mid Michigan College, said, "There is such a nursing shortage and the projection is that it will continue. This partnership will allow CMU students to come to Mid, get their associate degree in nursing, pass their state licensure exam, and start working right away to help with the nursing shortage as they pursue their bachelor degree."

All credits earned by students enrolled in the program will be transferable between the two institutions and students will be able to access support services from both colleges throughout enrollment. Mid Michigan College will reserve 15 spaces in both the fall and winter semesters for students who have finished the prerequisite work at CMU. President Tim Hood of Mid Michigan College said, "This partnership is a prime example of what two higher education institutions can achieve when collaborating to benefit our communities and the region."

The news release from Mid Michigan College states that two students from CMU are informally entering the program in phase two this fall, as they have completed all the courses required at CMU. One of those students, Brittany Walrath, who is currently an EMT, said, "This is a great stepping stone for those looking to get their BSN. It will give me an opportunity to work in a career that I thoroughly enjoy."