Ohio Wesleyan University is collaborating with Mount Carmel College of Nursing to offer two pre-nursing pathways that allow students to enjoy a traditional college experience while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. (Photo by Paul Vernon)

Pre-Nursing Pathways

Ohio Wesleyan University, Mount Carmel College of Nursing Sign New Agreement

DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University and Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) are announcing new pathways for students interested in beginning their academic careers at Ohio Wesleyan and continuing by earning their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Mount Carmel.

The new pre-nursing pathways allow students to complete between two and four years at Ohio Wesleyan before earning their nursing degrees at Mount Carmel.

“We are committed to educating highly qualified nurses to help care for patients in central Ohio and beyond, and partnerships like this with Ohio Wesleyan help us to achieve our goals,” said MCCN President and Academic Dean Kathleen Williamson, Ph.D., MSN, RN. “According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for registered nurses is expected to grow 9% from 2020 through 2030, with an estimated 194,500 openings for registered nurses projected each year during the decade. Nurses are in great demand, and it is an excellent career choice for those who want to help others live their best lives.”

“These pathways are ideal for students who are interested in a career in nursing and also want an undergraduate experience that allows them to study abroad, play varsity athletics, join fraternity and sorority life, or participate in any of the academic and residential campus opportunities available at Ohio Wesleyan,” said President Rock Jones, Ph.D. “The pathways also enable students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing – as either their first or second undergraduate degree – at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, one of central Ohio’s premier nursing schools.”

The new pathways are available to students immediately, said David Markwardt, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan’s lead adviser for students interested in pursuing studies in the fields of pre-medicine/pre-dentistry and, now, pre-nursing.

“Ohio Wesleyan has many options for students interested in the health sciences, and we are excited to add these opportunities to that list,” said Markwardt, professor of biological sciences. “Our pre-nursing pathways offer students two options, giving them the flexibility to select the program that best fits their personal and career goals.”

Students who select the Advanced Placement Program (APP) spend two years at Ohio Wesleyan and then two years (five semesters) at Mount Carmel, where they graduate with their BSN degrees. New APP class cycles begin every summer at Mount Carmel.

Students who choose the Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) spend between three and four years at Ohio Wesleyan, where they earn an OWU degree in their major(s) of choice before enrolling at Mount Carmel to earn their BSN. The SDAP allows student-athletes to participate for up to four years in Battling Bishop varsity athletics and other aspects of OWU campus life. Once they have enrolled at Mount Carmel, students are able to complete the SDAP in their choice of 13 or 18 months. New SDAP cycles begin in January for the 13-month program and in August for the 18-month program.

“Our program is very competitive,” said Jami Nininger, DNP, RN, Mount Carmel’s associate dean of academic affairs, “and we are pleased to be collaborating with a university of Ohio Wesleyan’s academic caliber to help its students pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees.”

Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan University at owu.edu, more about the new pre-nursing pathways at owu.edu/nursing, and more about the Mount Carmel College of Nursing at www.mccn.edu.

About Ohio Wesleyan University

Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives” and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “Best Colleges” lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.

About Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Mount Carmel College of Nursing (MCCN) is a private, Catholic institution offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, including the traditional direct entry program, Second Degree Accelerated Program, Online RN-BSN Completion, Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1903 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, the College has approximately 1,000 students enrolled with campuses in both Columbus and Lancaster, Ohio. MCCN, which has the largest baccalaureate nursing program among private colleges and universities in Ohio, is affiliated with the Mount Carmel Health System and Trinity Health. For more information, visit www.mccn.edu or call (614) 234-4CON.