DCCC announces nursing pathway partnership with Gardner-Webb University

June 12, 2018 – Davidson County Community College and Gardner-Webb University announced a new partnership to create a streamlined pathway for nursing students. The partnership allows students to go straight from their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at DCCC to their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at GWU.

DCCC President Dr. Mary Rittling and GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Benjamin Leslie offered remarks during the Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing Partnership agreement signing ceremony on June 7.

“The healthcare environment is changing,” Rittling said. “We’ve seen more and more of our students wanting to continue on to achieve their Bachelor’s degree or even their Master’s. Community colleges need to adapt to meet that need for the betterment of our student’s professional careers and communities.”

Students accepted into DCCC’s ADN program are dually accepted into the Davis Nursing RN to BSN Program in the Hunt School of Nursing at GWU. If a student then wants to continue in their education, GWU also has a seamless pathway to the Master of Science in Nursing for Administration or Education.

With a larger aging population of Baby Boomers leading to an increase in demand of healthcare services, nursing employment is expected to rise 15 percent in the next eight years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The partnership’s goal is to meet that demand and encourage access and interest in developing academically-empowered nurses.

“We’re delighted to partner with Davidson County Community College to create a pathway that will allow students to go from LPN all the way to the doctoral level,” Leslie said. “In spite of whatever changes are taking place, healthcare is here to stay. We’ll continue in higher education to step up to that need.”

DCCC nursing students will see this partnership full force on July 25. GWU and DCCC representatives will welcome incoming and current students with acceptance packages to the university upon their graduation from DCCC.

Photo Captions

Photo 1

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Sara Newcomb, Kim Benson, Dr. Catherine Burr, Dr. Benjamin Leslie, Dr. Mary Rittling, Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Dr. Rhonda Coats, Rose McDaniel and Holly Myers pose for a group photo following the signing of the Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing Partnership agreement.

Photo 2

Gardner-Webb University Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Benjamin Leslie and DCCC President Dr. Mary Rittling sign the Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing Partnership agreement. Leslie and Rittling provided remarks about the growing demand for healthcare and providing educational opportunities to nursing students to address that demand.

About Davidson County Community College

Founded in 1963, Davidson County Community College is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, DCCC offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs to students in Davidson and Davie counties, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to 4-year universities. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, DCCC is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields. Visit Davidson County Community College at DavidsonCCC.edu.

About Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university that prepares students to become critical thinkers, effective leaders and compassionate servants in the global community. Emphasizing a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics, Gardner-Webb ignites learning and service opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.