TL Photo / ROBERT A. DEFRANK Belmont College President Paul Gasparro and Wheeling University President Ginny Favede announce a transfer agreement allowing Nursing and Mental Health / Psychology students to spend two years at Belmont College and then complete two years at Wheeling University for a four-year degree.
ST. CLAIRSVILLE – Belmont College and Wheeling University announced a new partnership to enable nursing and mental health / psychology students to have smooth accreditation at the two universities.
On Tuesday, Belmont College President Paul Gasparro and Wheeling University President Ginny Favede announced a transfer agreement that allows students to complete two years at Belmont College and then two years at Wheeling University for a four-year degree complete.
Students can earn an Associate of Science degree in Nursing or Mental Health from Belmont College and move to Wheeling University for a Bachelor of Science degree in these areas.
Gasparro said Belmont College has been working with local K-12 schools to bring potential students to the college and this is another step.
“Every time we can continue this seamless connection with a university, especially one with such a format, there is nothing better you can do for the students.” he said.
Gasparro said this agreement would be beneficial to the students in terms of cost, location and simplicity.
“Over the years, more and more nursing staff with a bachelor’s degree have been asked for,” said Gasparro.
Many students start working in their field after earning an associate degree.
“It enables them to stay in the valley and it helps us address the lack of health care by providing a seamless and easy transition.” said Favede. “If you are already working, you can continue to work in the valley and meet the needs here while you acquire your BSN.”
Gasparro and Favede added that Belmont College and Wheeling University already have transfer agreements, but the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of these professions.
“This is especially good for our community because we have a health crisis in this country, but here in the Appalachians we are particularly suffering from it.” said Favede. “The opportunity to seamlessly get an RN to BSN from Belmont College to Wheeling University to have the opportunity to develop your skills in a career in nursing at a time when there is a great general need. We are still struggling with COVID and the health effects of it. “
Gasparro said the area is still grappling with an opioid epidemic and health professionals are in demand.
“Only a pandemic could have overshadowed the crisis” said Favede.
She emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two universities.
“It is important for universities to work together” said Favede. “We all have the same mission, which is education, and the ability to work together and not compete provides better access to education in the valley.”
Favede and Gasparro said they had been friends through various other projects since Favede’s time as Belmont County commissioner in the mid-2010s.
“With these articulation agreements we can benefit both institutions” She said. “It’s a friendship that is very, very deep.”
“It’s rare,” said Gasparro. “It’s very difficult for schools to get over it. … We are not in competition. … That works really great for both of us. “
They praised faculty members from both colleges for their outstanding achievements.
“Without the support of the faculty members, we cannot do what we do” said Favede.
“It is difficult for the faculty to look at their courses and make sure that they are something that can and will be carried over.” said Gasparro. “There’s a lot of work behind the scenes.”
They are eager to work together and expand further programs.
Karolyn Fox, Director of Nursing at Belmont College, spoke out in favor of the opportunity.
“As a graduate of Belmont College and Wheeling Jesuit, now Wheeling University, that really took my heart because that was the path I took as a first generation college student and I was able to graduate, pass my university courses and work as a registered nurse, supported and financed the needs of my own family with an RN wage “, She said.
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source https://collegeeducationnewsllc.com/belmont-college-and-wheeling-university-partner-news-sports-jobs/
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