Students soon will be able to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing locally, thanks to an agreement among Ohio University Lancaster Campus, Mt. Carmel College of Nursing, and Fairfield Medical Center.

According to John Furlow, Ph.D., associate dean at the Lancaster Campus, students will take Ohio University courses in chemistry and other sciences, English, psychology, sociology, and more. “These courses already are offered at the local campus and taught by faculty members who have the highest degrees in their fields.” He expects those in pursuit of the BSN to move through the process in a cohort, typically of 24 students.

The OUL coursework will transfer to Mt. Carmel College of Nursing.

Students will complete their clinical and patient care experience at Fairfield Medical Center. Cynthia Pearsall, vice president and chief nursing officer at Fairfield Medical Center, is excited about this opportunity to ‘”grown their own nurses” and describes the partnership as a win-win. Not only will Mt. Carmel increase their enrollment, area students will have local access to the bachelor’s degree in nursing program, and Fairfield Medical Center will train students who potentially will seek employment locally.

Ann Schiele, president and dean of Mt. Carmel College of Nursing, hopes to launch the program in August. The proposal is awaiting approval by the Ohio Board of Regents and The Higher Learning Commission.

Prospective students will apply directly to the nursing school. For more information, visit www.mccn.edu or contact OUL’s Office of Student Services at 654.6711, ext. 215.