The University of Delaware and Beebe Healthcare’s Margaret H. Rollins School Nursing in Lewes, Delaware, have announced the signing of an agreement to begin a new joint education program in fall 2017.

The three-year program will lead to an associate in arts degree from UD and a diploma in professional nursing from Rollins.

“We are excited about this opportunity to partner with Beebe to address the critical shortage of health care professionals in the state,” said Kathleen Matt, dean of UD’s College of Health Sciences.

New high school graduates may be eligible for Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) funding during the first year of the program and other forms of financial aid and scholarships are available. To qualify for admission, students must have graduated from high school with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 and grades of at least B- in biology and chemistry.

After successful completion of the program, students who have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have also passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) may apply to the University of Delaware’s baccalaureate program for the registered nurse (BRN). Admission to the BRN requires a separate application and is based on number of available seats.

Successful completion of the one-year, on-line BRN program culminates with the awarding of the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree.

The Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing is the only hospital-based nursing program in Delaware.

“The new partnership allows students to attain their nursing education in a comprehensive manner with excellent hands-on clinical experiences, as well as classroom instruction in nursing, science and the humanities,” said Karen Pickard, program administrator of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing. “It provides students with seamless degree progression that includes a strong nursing foundation based around clinical excellence, combined with the theoretical coursework needed in today’s health care environment.”