New DHE Grant to Help Middlesex RNs Earn a BS in Nursing

Middlesex Community College Nursing graduates will soon have a smooth pathway to earn a BS in nursing at Fitchburg State University (FSU), thanks to a new grant from the Higher Education Nursing & Allied Health Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education.

Fitchburg State, in partnership with Middlesex, Bristol and Quinsigamond community colleges, has been awarded a $29,000 grant to develop admissions agreements to allow Registered Nurses with associate degrees to seamlessly transfer to FSU and earn a BS in nursing completely online.

“With the need for baccalaureate-level nurses continuing to rise, this new ‘seamless academic progression’ program will help RNs continue through all levels of nursing education,” said Katherine Gehly, Dean of Nursing & Allied Health. “This is a great opportunity for Middlesex Nursing graduates.”

The proposal will include guaranteed admissions agreements, and will:

• allow the transfer of a greater number of credits than is customarily allowed for transfer students, including guaranteed admissions to Fitchburg State confirmed early in students’ careers;
• utilize a revised online “RN to BS in Nursing” program, which allows students to earn a BS in nursing while they are in the workforce; and
• take advantage of the relationship with Academic Partnerships, that provide student support for advising and retention that is built upon the foundation of students having traditional faculty and staff advisors at FSU.

For more information about DHE Nursing & Allied Health Initiative grants, visit: http://www.mass.edu/nahi/grants/awards.asp

For further information about MCC’s Nursing Programs, visit:

https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/nursing

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 70 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!