Community Colleges Partner with Kean University to Deliver Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Completion Programs

TRENTON, N.J.—On Dec. 14, five New Jersey community colleges announced that they are in varying stages of partnering with Kean University to offer bachelor's degree in nursing degree completion programs on community college campuses.

Bergen Community College, Ocean County College, Raritan Valley Community College, and Kean University have created a framework for a seamless transition for community college associate degree in nursing (ADN) graduates to complete the University's bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

Two other community colleges that helped design the program, Essex County College and Middlesex County College, still have the program under review on their campuses.

"This is another example of New Jersey's community colleges coming together in a statewide way to solve a statewide challenge," said New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Dr. Lawrence Nespoli. "Health care providers are in need of more nurses with BSN degrees, and many of our community college nursing students - past and present - want to earn this credential. We are grateful to Kean University for partnering with us to provide this degree completion program on our community college campuses."

"Bringing the Kean BSN completion program to our community colleges will be a significant benefit to nursing students, nursing education and to the community of health care providers that rely on community colleges to prepare future generations of nurses," said Bergen Community College President Dr. G. Jeremiah Ryan.

"Giving students the flexibility to complete their BSN degrees at community college campuses is a cost-effective model for students, the participating community colleges, and Kean University," said Raritan Valley Community College President Dr. Casey Crabill.

"We have had a tremendously successful partnership with Kean University for a number of years now," said Ocean County College President Dr. Jon Larson. "Kean already offers several bachelor's and master's degree completion programs at our institution, and these programs make higher education more accessible to students."

"This is an excellent opportunity for students who already hold an associate's degree and those who want to enter the nursing profession," said Middlesex County College President Dr. Joann La Perla-Morales.

"The articulation agreement is a framework for success. Community college nursing program graduates will benefit from greater accessibility to the BSN degree from Kean University. All participants, including the health care consumer, will benefit from the RN that has continued to build upon her or his education," said Essex County College President Dr. Edythe Abdullah.

Beginning in the Spring 2011 semester, students who hold an associate degree in nursing from one of the three participating community colleges will be able to enroll in the Kean University partnership at their respective community college. To enroll in the program, students must hold their associate degree in nursing with at least a 2.0 grade point average and already hold their State of New Jersey Registered Nurse license. Students who complete the program will be awarded a BSN degree from Kean University.

"Besides offering opportunities to our students, community college nursing faculty may have the opportunity to work as Kean University adjuncts to teach the upper-level nursing courses offered on our campuses," Nespoli added.

Participating students will need to successfully complete 125 credits to earn the Kean University BSN degree. Up to 88 community college credits are eligible for acceptance as transfer credits, and a minimum of 37 credits will be Kean upper division courses, including 31 nursing credits.

Founded in 1855, Kean University has become one of the largest metropolitan institutions of higher education in the region, boasting a richly diverse student, faculty and staff population. Kean continues to play a key role in the training of teachers and is a hub of educational, technological and cultural enrichment, offering more than 50 undergraduate degrees and more than 45 options leading to a master's degree, doctorate, professional diploma and/or state certification(s). Five undergraduate colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College now serve more than 15,000 students.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges is the state association representing New Jersey’s 19 community colleges. As an independent, trustee-headed organization that joins the leadership of trustees and presidents, the Council is the voice of the community college sector before the state legislature and other branches of government.

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Community Colleges Partner with Kean University on Nursing

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