THIBODAUX — Nicholls State University and Delgado Community College are partnering to produce more registered nurses with four-year nursing degrees to meet industry demands. Both schools have signed a mutually beneficial transfer articulation agreement making it easier for Delgado’s associate degree nursing graduates to transfer to Nicholls’ Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.
Delgado’s licensed nursing graduates wishing to continue their education may transfer to the Nicholls RN to BSN program offered online through the Nicholls College of Nursing and Allied Health.
“Through this agreement between Nicholls and Delgado’s nursing programs, we hope to expand the education and future career options for Delgado’s registered nurses prepared at the associate degree level,” said Dr. Sue Westbrook, dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health at Nicholls. “There is a growing body of research that reinforces the connection between baccalaureate nursing education and better patient outcomes such as lower mortality and morbidity rates, lower hospital readmission rates and shorter lengths of hospital stay. These outcomes translate into cost savings for hospitals. As a result, health care employers are recognizing that education makes a difference and are creating more job opportunities for baccalaureate nurses in the acute care setting.”
The Institute of Medicine has recommended that 80 percent of nurses hold at least a four-year degree by 2020. Currently, over 60 percent of U.S. nurses hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
In addition to the nursing agreement, Nicholls and Delgado maintain a transfer articulation agreement in business.