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An article from Bridge Michigan, “In Alpena, a bold effort to graduate more high-level Michigan nurses” by Isabel Lohman, 1/27/23, summarizes the problem and solution:
- Community colleges have sought for years to offer students a four-year nursing degree, a move fought by state universities
- Last summer, state leaders resolved the turf war by allowing schools to partner on four-year nursing degrees
- Alpena Community College and Saginaw Valley State University announced the first of those partnerships, as the state strives to produce more nurses
Under a budget deal arrived at last summer between the governor and the legislature, partnerships between community colleges and 4-year universities will allow nursing students at state community colleges to continue their studies on site for a four-year bachelor's degree, a credential that is preferred by many health systems. Community colleges can receive at least $2 million in grant funding to administer these programs.
“It’s a win for everyone, school leaders told Bridge Michigan. Two-and four-year colleges and universities are partnering instead of competing for nursing students, students will have more access to scholarship opportunities and local communities, particularly in rural areas, will be better able to keep nurses in the area to care for patients."
The program can also provide additional training toward and a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) for Registered nurses in Alpena that could include a hybrid setting with online classes.
