BANGOR, MAINE — An agreement between Husson University and Northern Maine Community College will create a smooth credit transfer process for students in NMCC’s associate of science in nursing program interested in continuing their education and earning a bachelor of science in nursing from Husson.
The agreement gives NMCC nursing students a side-by-side analysis of how their credits will transfer to Husson.
“NMCC and Husson University have a long history of cooperation. In fact, Husson’s Northern Maine campus is part of the NMCC complex in Presque Isle,” said Jennifer Flynn, director of Husson’s Northern Maine campus and the University’s Canadian Public Community College diploma to degree program.
“This agreement will allow community college students to continue to have access to an affordable, high-quality education as they pursue their bachelor’s degree,” continued Flynn.
“Northern Maine Community College is pleased to expand upon our partnership with Husson University. In the College’s 57-year history, the nursing program has always been one of the most popular and the graduates continue to make outstanding contributions in the field of healthcare,” stated NMCC President Timothy Crowley.
“The nursing faculty at NMCC are both pleased and excited to have this agreement with Husson University. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such an excellent nursing program,” said Mary Cornelio, RN, MSN, department chair of the college’s Nursing and Allied Health Department.
“This agreement expands opportunities here in Aroostook County for our nursing graduates to pursue additional nursing education, which is both important and meaningful for their careers here and beyond.”
Educating the next generation of nurses has become more important than ever. A report from the Maine Nursing Action Coalition (MeNAC) predicts that Maine could have a shortage of 3,200 registered nurses by 2025.
In addition, a 2010 report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommended that at least 80 percent of nurses hold baccalaureate degrees by 2020.
“These reports show that there is a need for more nurses and for better educated nurses,” concluded Flynn. “Smoothing the credit transfer process with this agreement will allow nurses to spend less time on academic policies and procedures, and more time on their studies.”
Submitted by the Marketing and Communications office of Husson University.
