YPSILANTI — An innovative agreement between Henry Ford College (HFC) and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) in Ypsilanti will enable nursing students to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in nursing while still working toward their Registered Nurse (RN) certification.

Some nursing students will be able to complete a bachelor’s degree in just three years of full-time study.

This joint effort between the HFC School of Health and Human Services and the EMU College of Health and Human Services’ School of Nursing is called the EMU/HFC Collaborative ADN/BSN Program.

Students will take classes at HFC during the fall and winter semesters and at EMU during the spring and summer semesters. By sequencing the classes this way, students may complete their bachelors’ degrees in nursing within a year after finishing their associates’ degrees in nursing at HFC. HFC students can receive their RN licenses if they pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). These students can work as RNs while completing their bachelors’ degrees at EMU.

“We are excited about this agreement between Henry Ford College and Eastern Michigan University,” said HFC President Russell Kavalhuna. “The nursing program at Henry Ford College is a point of pride for us and we are happy to provide our students this path to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Eastern Michigan University. Student success is our mission. We are proud to have partners like Eastern Michigan University in this effort.”

EMU President James Smith said he sees great value in the collaboration as well.

“Eastern Michigan University is pleased to be the leader among Michigan universities in the number of transfer agreements we have with community colleges,” Smith said. “We are thrilled to partner with Henry Ford College’s nursing program and bring opportunities to nursing students for a seamless transition to receive a full degree.”

Under this agreement, EMU will waive its normal 60-hour transfer rule and require that a minimum of 30 credit hours must be completed in nursing courses offered by EMU. General Education requirements may be satisfied by the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) as part of this program.

“We are very excited about this collaboration,” said HFC Dean of Health and Human Services Dr. Susan Shunkwiler. “Many of our students desire a bachelor’s degree in nursing but lack the time or financial resources to earn one. This agreement gives our students a great opportunity that is affordable and achievable while maintaining our high academic standards. We are fortunate to have educational partners such as EMU, who understand the needs of our students and who value high-quality nursing education.”