| |
 |
UNH And NH Community Technical
College Offer Dual Admission Program For Nursing Students
Contact: Erika Mantz
603-862-1567
UNH Media Relations
April 20, 2005
DURHAM, N.H. -- The University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire
Community Technical College, Manchester/Stratham (NHCTC-M/S) have
signed a dual admission agreement for students majoring in nursing.
The new partnership allows students admitted to the community technical
college associate degree program in nursing to be conditionally
admitted to the Bachelor of Science program for registered nurses
(RN Baccalaureate Program) at UNH in Durham.
This is the first such dual admissions program linking a N.H. Community
Technical College with a unit of the University System of New Hampshire.
“The dual admission agreement is an exciting and innovative
response to the nursing shortage that exists in New Hampshire, and
throughout the nation,” says James McCarthy, dean of UNH’s
School of Health and Human Services. “By reaching out to students
who are earning their associates degrees at the community technical
college, and giving them the opportunity to transfer directly into
our RN Baccalaureate Program, UNH is making an important contribution
to efforts to bring more highly skilled nurses to New Hampshire.”
Last year, there were 455 graduates from RN programs in the state.
Of these, 346 (76 percent) were associate degree graduates and 106
(24 percent) were baccalaureate degree graduates.
“Studies have shown that nurses who complete a bachelor’s
degree have better problem solving skills and more effective communication
skills, says Lynette Ament, chair of the UNH Department of Nursing.
“In addition, a study by Aiken et al showed that as the proportion
of hospital RNs educated at the baccalaureate level or higher increases
the risk of patient mortality decreases. As a result of this landmark
study, hospitals and educators are beginning to examine the impact
of basic nursing preparation on quality of care and patient outcomes.”
The UNH/NHCTC program differs from most tech/BSN agreements in that
is a 3+1 program. Students spend three years at the technical college
completing the nursing curriculum, in addition to UNH general education
requirements.
During the summer after the third year students can sit for the
NCLEX Registered Nurse exam. Some may choose to work as nurses and
complete the BSN program at UNH part-time during the fourth year,
or they may enroll full time.
For more information, contact Susan Fetzer, UNH associate professor
of nursing, at 603-641-4140, Lynette Ament, chair of the UNH Department
of Nursing at 603-862-2390.
|
