Monday, February 28, 2005
OU and OCC partner to address nursing shortage
Oakland University’s School of Nursing and Oakland Community College (OCC) signed an articulation agreement allowing graduates of OCC’s nursing program to complete OU’s Registered Nurse to Masters of Science in Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist program on OCC’s campus.
“This agreement is beneficial to both OU and OCC and complies with one of the Cherry Commission report’s recommendations for universities and community colleges to partner,” said OU President Gary Russi. “Partnering with community colleges is a great way to stretch ever-decreasing state dollars, and we are happy to be collaborating with our neighbors to create work-ready nursing students.”
OCC’s nursing students will continue their course work at the Highland Lakes campus while pursing an Oakland University degree.
“We are happy to partner with Oakland University for the benefit of our students,” said Mary Spangler, chancellor of Oakland Community College. “This program will enable OCC students to complete a high-quality bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing without leaving our Highland Lakes Campus.”
In addition to easing the transition for nursing students, the partnership also addresses an increasing issue in society – a shortage in nurses.
“With the nursing shortage becoming more critical, it is vitally important that we prepare nurses who can immediately make a contribution in their chosen profession. This partnership allows students to complete their degree in a shorter period of time,” said Virinder Moudgil, OU vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. “We are very pleased this agreement will allow OCC nursing students to continue their education while hopefully cutting down on their commute and making the task of completing their master’s degree an easier one.”
The students agree that this is a benefit for them.
“It is a privilege and an honor to attend the ceremony as a representative of the students,” said OCC nursing student and home health care worker Summer Laughhunn of Bloomfield Township. “I plan on applying to the OU/OCC program during my spring break. I graduate with my nursing degree in May and would like to start the program in September.”
The agreement was signed during a ceremony Feb. 25 at Meadow Brook Hall.
With five campuses throughout Oakland County, OCC is the largest community college in Michigan and the 14th largest in the nation. More than half a million students have enrolled at the college since it opened in 1965.