New, expanded partnerships aim to increase diversity of nursing workforce

^{Students engage in active learning during their Application of Genetics in Nursing course in Rochester.}

The University of Minnesota School of Nursing and Saint Paul College announced a new partnership to help create a more diverse nursing workforce. The agreement creates a supportive pathway for students currently enrolled at Saint Paul College to transfer to the School of Nursing to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.

“For too many, the traditional path to a baccalaureate nursing degree and the broader scope of practice it provides isn’t an option for students graduating from  high school,” says Connie White Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, FNAP, dean of the School of Nursing. “This partnership opens another entry into nursing that we hope will create a health care workforce that is also more representative of the communities it serves.”

Julia Bartlett, DC, dean of Health Sciences at Saint Paul College, adds, “This exciting partnership provides an advanced educational option for students wishing to enter the nursing profession. Students can start their education at Saint Paul College, a smaller and affordable environment, and transfer, through a coordinated effort, to the prestigious Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.”

_{Leaders from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing and Saint Paul College celebrate an agreement that creates a new pathway for students to transfer into BSN program.}

This program serves as an additional option for students at Saint Paul College, along with the existing practical nursing diploma. Enrollment on the Twin Cities campus is currently limited to 10 Saint Paul College students, with additional opportunities in Rochester. The School of Nursing will provide Saint Paul College students with structured programming to support their success at the University.

Expanded opportunities for transfer students

Additionally, the number of BSN students in the School of Nursing program in Rochester is increasing, from 32 to 48. Up to 25 of these students will be from the University of Minnesota Rochester Early Assurance Nursing program. This program guarantees first-year students at University of Minnesota Rochester entry into the University of Minnesota Twin Cities nursing program. The school’s Rochester location is dedicated to BSN transfer students.

“We are grateful for our partnership with Mayo that enables us to increase our BSN enrollment and address the significant nursing workforce needs in the state,” says Christine Mueller, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, senior executive associate dean for academic programs. “Enrollment increases require the need for more student practicum placements and Mayo has generously agreed to provide those placements.”