ETSU, Wellmont partner to expand nursing education
KINGSPORT (Aug. 31, 2016) – East Tennessee State University and Wellmont Health System are partnering to expand the university’s accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program in Kingsport and increase the number of nurses in the community.
The new ETSU-Holston Valley Medical Center Accelerated BSN Program is underway, with 20 inaugural students taking classes this fall semester. The program is expected to welcome 20 additional students into the fold each fall and spring semester.
Through the partnership, ETSU will provide faculty for all classroom instruction, which will take place at the ETSU at Kingsport Downtown campus. Wellmont will provide faculty for all clinical training and instruction, which will primarily take place at Holston Valley. Both entities will be involved in other aspects of student training, including interprofessional education and simulation.
“We are well aware of the acute nursing shortage in the Tri-Cities area and recognize the critical need for educated nursing personnel to sustain the delivery of quality health care to the residents of the region,” said Dr. Wendy Nehring, dean of ETSU’s College of Nursing. “Through this partnership, we are able to expand the number of nursing students able to attend ETSU, which will ultimately lead to more well-educated nursing professionals in our region. We are thrilled to be partnering with Wellmont to be able to do this.”
As a result of the program, 20 additional students were able to start the nursing program this fall who otherwise would not have been admitted due to a lack of capacity.
