Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College announce nursing partnership

Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College announce nursing partnership

With nursing becoming one of the nation's fastest-growing professions, having a bachelor's degree can make a significant difference for nurse candidates. Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College have taken steps to enhance healthcare in the region by encouraging St. Vincent's nursing graduates to earn a bachelor's degree at Fairfield University.

Image: St. Vincents
Seated L to R: Anita K. McCain, Ed.D., R.N., dean of Academic Services at St. Vincent's College; Joanne R. Wolfertz, Ed.D., R.N., vice-president/dean of St. Vincent's College; Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., dean of Fairfield University's School of Nursing.
Standing L to R: St. Vincent's College nursing student Heather Lewis; John K. Fisher, Ed.D., president of St. Vincent's College; and St. Vincent's College nursing student Steven Podlas.

Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College are pleased to announce a new partnership that encourages students to receive advanced degrees in nursing. The two institutions will join forces to facilitate the enrollment of St. Vincent's students with an associate's degree at Fairfield to earn a bachelor's degree. The two institutions, in addition to being in close proximity, also share a Catholic affiliation and a dedication to serving the less fortunate.

"In the Jesuit tradition of service, this collaboration addresses the need to expand nursing education and the number of professional and powerful nurse leaders in the region," said Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., dean of Fairfield University's School of Nursing.

"We are pleased to be a part of this collaborative effort in meeting the area's need for baccalaureate prepared nurses," said Joanne R. Wolfertz, Ed.D., R.N., vice-president and dean of St. Vincent's College. "The College looks forward to additional collaborative endeavors which may facilitate the educational and professional advancement of its graduates."

The partnership allows St. Vincent's graduates to transfer up to 70 credits from courses that have been identified as comparable to those at Fairfield. The program at Fairfield includes coursework in liberal arts as well as nursing. Students may complete the degree at their own pace and are able to finish in as little as 12 months.

Flexible curriculum planning with personal advisement will be provided throughout the program. With Fairfield's graduate programs in nursing, students who wish to further their education may easily transition into the master's degree program as well.

The partnership is facilitated through the Connecticut Articulation Agreement among all Connecticut Schools of Nursing. Fairfield and St. Vincent's have already begun preparations to coordinate admission and student advising.

Media Contact, St. Vincent's College: Lucinda Ames, (800) 873-1013

Posted On: 11-01-2005 10:11 AM

Volume: 38 Number: 86