A new partnership is being undertaken by Peoria-based OSF HealthCare, that city’s Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing, and Monmouth College.
They’ve partnered to allow Monmouth students to graduate in three years under any of several medical-related programs (biology, biopsychology or health science and human movement), then get an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing from St. Francis, while not leaving Monmouth in the fourth year. The agreement to form the “3+1” program was formally signed Thursday.
“The accelerated program of nursing will equip the graduates with two bachelor’s degrees by the end of their four years here at Monmouth, one hundred percent job placement in the OSF hospitals in the Western Region of the state, and — so importantly — will meet the health care needs of the people in this world community,” said Dr. Charlene Aaron, president, St. Francis Medical Center College of Nursing.”
The western region includes OSF St. Mary and Holy Family Medical Centers in this area, and OSF St. Luke in Kewanee.
“This joint endeavor is a model of how institutions of higher learning and other public and private organizations can collaborate to provide exciting career opportunities for students,” said Bob Sehring, CEO, OSF HealthCare.
The partnership is pending approval of accrediting agencies, but should be ready by next academic year. St. Francis College of Nursing officials will teach on Monmouth’s campus, and students will have access to other resources from St. Francis.
