Dr. Laura Jolly (above, second from left), Dean and Dean’s Chair of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University, and Rob Denson (above, center), President of DMACC, each hold signed copies of a new 3+1 nursing articulation agreement between DMACC and ISU on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024, following a special announcement event held in the UnityPoint Health Sciences Building at the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Pictured with Jolly and Denson are Dr. Dawn Bowker (far left), Director of Nursing Education and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at Iowa State University; Dr. Jeanie McCarville-Kerber (second from right), Executive Academic Dean of Health & Public Services at DMACC; and Dr. Natalia Thilges (far right), Director of Nursing Education at DMACC (photo courtesy of DMACC).
As the demand for nurses continues to grow throughout the health care industry, DMACC and Iowa State University (ISU) today announced a new collaboration to help improve access to additional education for nursing professionals in Central Iowa and beyond.
The first-ever 3+1 nursing articulation agreement between DMACC and ISU will allow DMACC Nursing students who have successfully completed the College’s 65-credit Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program and passed the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-RN) to seamlessly continue their education at ISU and earn their Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree in just one year. The ISU RN-to-BSN program is also structured to allow DMACC Nursing graduates to continue working while completing their bachelor’s degree.
“Many of DMACC’s successes involve partnerships with businesses, communities and institutions of higher education, and nowhere is this collaboration more important or impactful than our partnership with Iowa State University,” said DMACC President Rob Denson. “DMACC and ISU have collaborated many times over the years, and we are proud to partner once again to support student success and address workforce needs.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a shortage of nurses across many levels over the next decade due to a variety of factors, including an aging Baby Boomer population that will have an increasing need for healthcare services and an aging workforce that will lose some of its most highly skilled and experienced nurses to retirement. Additionally, the growing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity will require on-going management and monitoring supported by the expertise of skilled nurses.
“Nurses are essential to our health care system and play a critical role in patient care and outcomes,” said Dr. Jeanie McCarville-Kerber, Executive Academic Dean of Health & Public Services at DMACC. “DMACC is proud to work together with ISU in preparing the next generation of nurses.”
Dr. Laura Jolly (above, second from left), Dean and Dean’s Chair of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Iowa State University, and Rob Denson (above, second from right), President of DMACC, sign the first-ever 3+1 nursing articulation agreement between DMACC and ISU on Wed., Oct. 23, 2024. Also pictured are Dr. Dawn Bowker (far left), Director of Nursing Education and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at Iowa State University; Dr. Jeanie McCarville-Kerber (center, standing at podium), Executive Academic Dean of Health & Public Services at DMACC; and Dr. Natalia Thilges (far right), Director of Nursing Education at DMACC (photo courtesy of DMACC).
Training the next generation of nurses
DMACC annually graduates more than 400 students from its nursing program, which is offered at five of DMACC’s six campuses and ranks as one of the largest nationally accredited nursing programs in Iowa. The are currently 405 students enrolled in the program.
Beginning in Fall 2025, the new 3+1 nursing articulation agreement between DMACC and ISU will provide DMACC Nursing students with the option to attend DMACC for their first three years to complete the College’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing degree program and coursework that will apply to their bachelor’s degree. The articulation agreement courses were developed in collaboration with ISU and fulfill the needed requirements at both institutions.
After graduating from DMACC and passing the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurse Licensure (NCLEX-RN), DMACC Nursing alumni can then choose to transfer to ISU and complete their Bachelor of Nursing (BSN) degree in just one year, with the bulk of their studies completed online. This course delivery method provides nursing graduates with greater flexibility as there is no need to relocate and students can continue working in the field while completing their BSN.
The ISU RN-to-BSN program features a contemporary curriculum and an impressive 94 percent completion rate. Additionally, the program provides relevant practicum opportunities in local communities, as well as at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and in Oslo, Norway. These opportunities allow nursing students to gain valuable experience in understanding global health issues and diverse healthcare practices.
“We are providing a pathway for registered nurses to earn their BSN, which will lead to more highly skilled nurses entering the workforce this decade,” Dr. Dawn Bowker, Director of Nursing Education and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at Iowa State University. “Ultimately, patients will benefit. Research has shown that improved patient outcomes are associated with nurses with bachelor’s degrees, including lower mortality rates and fewer medication errors.”
Noah Harvey graduated from DMACC in May 2024 and is currently working in the intensive care unit at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, while earning his BSN. Harvey says his goal is to become a medical doctor and Iowa State’s program provides the balance and opportunity to help make that goal a reality.
“I was initially drawn to Iowa State’s RN-to-BSN because of the immersion programs at the end of the year. After meeting with the faculty, I knew I had found my home,” Harvey said. “The faculty cares so much about your success inside and outside the classroom. The fact that the program is made for working nurses has made it possible to give my all on assignments and not be overwhelmed with my nursing job.”
To learn more about the ISU 3+1 RN-to-BSN program with DMACC, visit nursing.iastate.edu.
(contributed press release and photos, DMACC)
