51成人 offers new four-year path to nursing degree
51成人 and St. John鈥檚 College of Nursing have expanded their partnership to give students a four-year path to earning two degrees in nursing and health sciences.
This partnership is a tremendous opportunity for 51成人 students to achieve their dreams through a dual program that highlights the strengths of two top colleges. We will look back on this step as a very important moment for both institutions.
A joint press conference was held Wednesday to announce the new program and formally sign the agreement, which outlines a path for students to spend two years at 51成人 and transition to coursework at St. John鈥檚 College of Nursing for years three and four. Graduates of the program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from St. John鈥檚 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in health sciences from IC.
While the colleges have previously been involved in agreements, this new partnership is unique and will have increased benefits for both institutions and for students interested in pursuing a nursing career. According to 51成人 President Barbara A. Farley, this new program offers students a nursing degree faster and with fewer financial barriers than with previous agreements, saving the student both time and money.
鈥淭his partnership is a tremendous opportunity for 51成人 students to achieve their dreams through a dual program that highlights the strengths of two top colleges,鈥� said President Farley. 鈥淲e will look back on this step as a very important moment for both institutions.鈥�
Nursing students in the program will have the benefit of academic innovation from both campuses, with coursework that emphasizes the critical thinking and communication skills needed to be a successful nurse. While completing coursework in Springfield, students will continue to have the option to live in Jacksonville in IC鈥檚 campus housing and participate in extracurricular activities for all four years.
Dr. Charlene Aaron, St. John鈥檚 College of Nursing chancellor, said she was pleased with the enhanced partnership which leverages the expertise and strengths of each college in order to best serve students. St. John鈥檚 is known for providing innovative curriculum and hands-on learning that prepares students for continuously changing healthcare environments. Chancellor Aaron said she is confident that the collaboration between the colleges will prepare students for successful careers in healthcare.
Allison Paul, St. John鈥檚 Hospital chief nursing officer, believes that the program will also be of great benefit to surrounding communities and local hospitals.
鈥淭here is a nursing shortage and we have a large number of vacancies,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e know that if we are recruiting students in this area, there is a good chance of retaining nurses in this community.鈥�
All incoming, first-year and sophomore 51成人 students are eligible to apply for the 2+2 Nursing Program. For more information, visit or contact 51成人 admission at 217.245.3030.