Dr. Filomela Marshall, dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing
TRENTON, N.J. – Raritan Valley Community College’s (RVCC) RN students will be able to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees thanks to a new partnership between Thomas Edison State University and the community college.
Under the newly signed partnership, eligible RVCC nursing students can enroll in Thomas Edison State University’s RN-BSN or RN-BSN/MSN degree programs offered by the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing. Students will be able to transfer up to 90 credits toward their undergraduate degree at the university and may earn 12 credits toward their master’s degree at the institution at the undergraduate tuition rate.
“The new agreement with Thomas Edison State University offers graduates of RVCC’s RN program a wonderful opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in one year with the transfer of the maximum 90 credits,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough. “Many of our graduates begin working in the healthcare field soon after completing their associate degree, and the new partnership with Thomas Edison gives them the added convenience of continuing their education through online learning.”
Dubbed the ‘Finish in Four’ program, this agreement helps to further address the nursing shortage that has been plaguing the nation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections 2016-2026, registered nursing (RN) is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2026. The RN workforce is expected to increase by 11.5 million over the decade, an increase from 156.1 million to 167.6 million. The report also notes that the aging population of the current nursing workforce continues to drive demand for healthcare services.
“Our newly formed partnership with Raritan Valley Community College is meant to further underscore and address the current and future needs for bachelor’s prepared nurses in the workforce,” said Dr. Filomela Marshall, dean of the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing at the university. “We are pleased to partner with RVCC in addressing these workforce challenges and doing our part to ensure graduates are well-educated and prepared for the ever-changing healthcare environment.”
To learn more about this partnership, visit www.tesu.edu/rvcc.
Toni M. Terry, BA