SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Marshall University and Glenville State College have reached an agreement that establishes a nursing program co-op between the two institutions.
The presidents from both Marshall and Glenville were on hand to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Tuesday at Marshall’s South Charleston campus.
The MOA brings the two schools together for an association aimed at providing access to a bachelor’s degree in nursing (B.S.N.) at Glenville through Marshall’s nursing program, according to a release.
The agreement will see prospective students enroll at Glenville and complete general education courses there during their first year. Then, once the students are admitted to the B.S.N. program, they will receive instruction from Marshall faculty members on Glenville’s campus.
“Working together, we feel like we can do a better job of making more opportunities available to more students,” Marshall President Dr. Jerome Gilbert told MetroNews.
Dr. Mark Manchin, President of Glenville State College, told MetroNews this will have a far-reaching impact on students from rural communities who want to work in healthcare. He also said this may open doors for future nurses during a ‘nurse shortage’ in West Virginia.
“We are keeping those students in Glenville. They can stay and have the opportunity to go home to their smaller and rural healthcare providers, maybe a small hospital or clinics. And work there where they can give back to their own communities,” Manchin said to MetroNews.
The B.S.N. program at Glenville is expected to start in fall 2023. Glenville will begin enrolling students in the program in fall 2022, a release said. The Marshall University School of Nursing is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, a release said.
Gilbert said Glenville approached Marshall about the idea of a partnership in nursing and they were all in. Glenville and Marshall already have other academic program partnerships in place, including a Master of Science in Accountancy, a Doctor of Pharmacy fast-track program, and a Professional Master of Science in Athletic Training. Two academic agreements were signed in March.
Great day as we signed an agreement with @gopioneers to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing on their campus. Students will enroll at Glenville and complete gen ed classes there. Once admitted to the BSN program, they will be taught by @marshallu faculty on Glenville’s campus. pic.twitter.com/4JbGLdn0Bt
— President Gilbert (@MarshalluPres) July 27, 2021