The university is using classroom, lab and lecture space at Conner Creek Village, the former Holy Cross Hospital in northeast Detroit.

Students enrolled in the Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing program are taking classes and performing clinical laboratory courses.

“This is a great example of how Oakland’s School of Nursing is proactively working to find alternative ways to educate much-needed nurses,” said Linda Adams Thompson, dean of the SON. “We are striving to find ways to move beyond the traditional limitations of space and location.”

The partnership was spurred through a $1.8 million grant, which supports equipment, rental space, faculty and staff for the program.

In addition, students in financial need have the opportunity to participate in a loan forgiveness program. St. John Health System will reimburse students for their education if they agree to work at St. John for a specific period of time following graduation.

Students began taking classes at Conner Creek Village this summer.

“We are planning to begin another cohort at Conner Creek in partnership with St. John next June,” says Barbara Penprase, assistant professor, SON. “St. John has also agreed to have all the students rotate through St. John Health System hospitals, which will secure clinical placements for them.”

Conner Creek offers 24-hour emergency care, long-term acute care, independent senior housing and a clinic.

A fall open house is planned for Oakland University at Conner Creek Village. For more information about Oakland University’s nursing programs, visit the School of Nursing Web site.