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Felician
College and MCCC Welcome First Students
to Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program at MCCC
1-21-08
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Mercer
County Community College welcomed 15 students to campus this semester
under a new agreement with Felician College of Lodi, New Jersey,
that makes it possible for nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science
in Nursing (BSN) degree right on MCCC's campus in West Windsor.
The students will remain together as a cohort throughout the "Fast
Track" 19-month program, which meets for a full day of classes
every Tuesday at the West Windsor Campus. Admission requirements
include licensure in New Jersey as a registered nurse, an associate
degree, or a nursing diploma plus additional college credits.
As the students
met for the first time on Jan. 20, they were officially welcomed
by staff and faculty of Felician College and MCCC at a luncheon
scheduled between classes. While a large-screen TV carried the nation's
presidential inauguration ceremonies, Felician Vice President William
Morgan said, "Today, we can't help but be inspired." He
noted that the students would not only remember where they were
on this historic day, but would always be aware of beginning a significant
change in their own lives. He encouraged them to continue their
education and pursue their master's degrees after completing the
Felician BSN program.
Most of the
incoming students are working full time in a variety of nursing
venues. According to Felician Associate Dean Christine Mihal, the
incoming students have very disparate backgrounds and experience.
Svetlana Suran, who works as a psychiatric nurse at Princeton House
Behavioral Health, said she is pursuing the program with the goal
of continuing for a Nurse Practitioner degree. She is a graduate
of Raritan Valley Community College. Other students are looking
forward to a promotion or a career in teaching.
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| At
center, Felician College Associate Dean Christine Mihal, Vice President
William Morgan, and MCCC President Patricia C. Donohue pose with incoming
BSN students. |
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| Incoming
students, above and below, enjoy a welcome luncheon. |
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According
to MCCC Dean of Science and Health Professions Linda Martin, the program
is much needed in the region. "We constantly encourage students to
get their bachelor's degree. The fact that Felician comes to our campus
to offer the program is an amazing help to our students and graduates,
as well as all area nurses. Most are working and have family obligations,
so they need the flexibility that Felician's program provides. It's a
good partnership for all involved."
Felician
College plans to offer bachelor's degree programs at Mercer in other majors
in the future, including business and criminal justice.
Open
houses for the BSN program are set for Feb. 10, March 25, May 7, June
16, July 27 and August 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at MCCC's Student Center, Faculty
Dining Room. For more information contact Admissions Representative Mark
Baldwin at Felician College, 201-559-6077, or Director of Off-Campus Services
Jennifer Kostic at 201-355-1113 (e-mail adultandgraduate@felician.edu).
More
information is also available at the Felician College website here,
or at FelicianFastBSN@aol.com.
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