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NANTICOKE — Luzerne County Community College students interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing will soon be able to transfer into an online program run by Bloomsburg University.
LCCC President Thomas Leary and Bloomsburg University President Dr. Bashar Hanna held a joint press conference Friday in Leary’s office to announce the move.
“This is going to provide the most affordable, accessible path to a bachelor’s degree,” Leary said. “This is going to open up so many opportunities.”
“This is partnership,” Hanna echoed. “The underlying fact always remains of what’s in the best interest of our students.”
Leary and Hanna were joined by Dr. Debroah Vilegi Payne, dean of nursing and health sciences at LCCC, and Dr. Noreen Chikotas, director of Bloomsburg’s RN-BSN program, who explained the partnership will help more people continue their education.
Chikotas said this will not only pave the way for current LCCC students, but give nurses already working in the field a chance to come back to earn more credits.
“My goal is that folks keep going,” Chikotas said. “And be lifelong learners.”
The agreement guarantees admission into Bloomsburg’s online nursing program for third-year students at LCCC.
To transfer, a student needs to graduate from LCCC with an associate degree in nursing with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students also have to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses before beginning courses at Bloomsburg.
Tom Fletcher, vice president for strategic enrollment at Bloomsburg, said the agreement was only possible due to the level of commitment from both colleges.
“The mutual admiration and respect and true partnership that exists between these two institutions makes it achievable.” he said.
“We know we’re going to help them set dreams alive for a lot of residents in Pennsylvania.”