Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College announce nursing partnership

November 1, 2005

With nursing becoming one of the nation's fastest-growing professions, having a bachelor's degree can make a significant difference for nurse candidates. Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College have taken steps to enhance healthcare in the region by encouraging St. Vincent's nursing graduates to earn a bachelor's degree at Fairfield University.

Seated L to R: Anita K. McCain, Ed.D., R.N., dean of Academic Services at St. Vincent's College; Joanne R. Wolfertz, Ed.D., R.N., vice-president/dean of St. Vincent's College; Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., dean of Fairfield University's School of Nursing. Standing L to R: St. Vincent's College nursing student Heather Lewis; John K. Fisher, Ed.D., president of St. Vincent's College; and St. Vincent's College nursing student Steven Podlas.

Fairfield University and St. Vincent's College are pleased to announce a new partnership that encourages students to receive advanced degrees in nursing. The two institutions will join forces to facilitate the enrollment of St. Vincent's students with an associate's degree at Fairfield to earn a bachelor's degree. The two institutions, in addition to being in close proximity, also share a Catholic affiliation and a dedication to serving the less fortunate.

"In the Jesuit tradition of service, this collaboration addresses the need to expand nursing education and the number of professional and powerful nurse leaders in the region," said Jeanne M. Novotny, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N., dean of Fairfield University's School of Nursing.

"We are pleased to be a part of this collaborative effort in meeting the area's need for baccalaureate prepared nurses," said Joanne R. Wolfertz, Ed.D., R.N., vice-president and dean of St. Vincent's College. "The College looks forward to additional collaborative endeavors which may facilitate the educational and professional advancement of its graduates."

The partnership allows St. Vincent's graduates to transfer up to 70 credits from courses that have been identified as comparable to those at Fairfield. The program at Fairfield includes coursework in liberal arts as well as nursing. Students may complete the degree at their own pace and are able to finish in as little as 12 months.

Flexible curriculum planning with personal advisement will be provided throughout the program. With Fairfield's graduate programs in nursing, students who wish to further their education may easily transition into the master's degree program as well.

The partnership is facilitated through the Connecticut Articulation Agreement among all Connecticut Schools of Nursing. Fairfield and St. Vincent's have already begun preparations to coordinate admission and student advising.

Media Contact, Fairfield University: Dana Ambrosini, (203) 254-4000, ext. 2726

Media Contact, St. Vincent's College: Lucinda Ames, (800) 873-1013

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Vol. 38, No. 86

St. Vincent's College is the only two-year Catholic college in the state of Connecticut offering an Associate of Science degree with majors in nursing, allied health sciences, and general studies, as well as ten certificate programs. The institution first opened its doors in 1905 as St. Vincent's Hospital Training School for Nurses and was formally incorporated as St. Vincent's College in 1991. More than 400 full-time and part-time students are enrolled. The College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. The College is an affiliate of St. Vincent's Medical Center and is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This year, the College is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Fairfield University is a comprehensive Jesuit university that prepares undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world. In the 2005 U.S.News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" Fairfield ranks third among universities with master's programs in the North and The Princeton Review named Fairfield one of the nation's 77 "best value" undergraduate institutions in "America's Best Value Colleges." Approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 34 states, 45 countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled at the University's six schools. The University was founded in 1942 in the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, Connecticut.