Southeastern Community College (SCC) and the University of Iowa College of Nursing (UI-CON) finalized their new partnership that allows SCC nursing graduates to seamlessly transfer to the UI-CON to complete their bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.
Students who complete the licensed practical nursing diploma and earn their associate degree in nursing can transfer to the UI-CON RN-BSN program online for one additional year to earn their BSN. Students who meet performance standards at SCC are guaranteed admittance to the UI-CON.
During the signing ceremony on Thursday at SCC's West Burlington campus, SCC president Dr. Michael Ash expressed pride in both institutions.
"We are excited to celebrate this very important event for both institutions, for our students, and for our communities. This represents tremendous accomplishments by our faculty, of whom we are very proud, and the hard work of our students."
Dr. Julie Zerwic, dean of the UI-CON, shared his sentiment.
"We're really pleased to collaborate with SCC on this important partnership," she said. "Agreements like this one between the University of Iowa and Southeastern Community College help make that next level of education attainable by providing a path that starts with students at the beginning of their program at Southeastern Community College. It respects the reality of nurses already in the workforce, it improves access, and it breaks down barriers."
SCC nursing students Elena Johnson, Anna Chicken, and Alyssa Wessel have been accepted into the RN-BSN program. Wessel shared her experience.
"When I started the nursing program, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into," she shared. "I heard that the program is extremely difficult, and they were right. But the program has been extremely rewarding, as well."
Wessel became pregnant while working toward her licensed practical nursing diploma.
"I was scared. School was already hard and to be pregnant on top of that, some days I wondered if I could do it. But I pushed through and I passed."
Wessel is grateful for her experience at SCC and is looking forward to what's to come.
"At SCC, I didn't just earn my associates. I gained friends, family, and mentors," she shared. "Life as we know it will soon come to an end and we will start a new chapter. My next chapter begins at the University of Iowa. I've been accepted into the RN to BSN program starting this fall."
SCC's nursing programs are ranked toward the top in the state, and the University of Iowa's RN-BSN program is ranked fifth in the country.
"Students starting their training at SCC and completing the BSN at the University of Iowa College of Nursing are destined to gain a valuable, quality education," Dr. Ash stated. "These students will be a strong force in the nursing profession."
For more information about SCC's nursing programs, contact Kristi Schroeder, dean of nursing and health professions, at (319) 208-5100 or kschroeder@scciowa.edu.