Bridgewater State University made a giant leap

forward last week into providing interested BSU students with the opportunity to pursue degrees to help the Commonwealth fill critically-needed job openings in a range of health care professions - including nursing - according to an article written by BSU's Brian Benson,

G '23, of the Office of Enrollment, Marketing and Communications (photo above by BSU's Charlie Peters).
      Mr. Benson's story follows below:

 

     With more than 13,000 vacant positions currently in Massachusetts hospitals, the Bay State faces a significant shortage of qualified health care professionals.

     To help meet that need, Bridgewater State University is offering a streamlined pathway for students to pursue these critical careers.

     BSU recently signed an agreement with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Institute for Health Professions (IHP), which offers degrees that complement a Bridgewater education.

     “This is a very, very exciting moment for Bridgewater State University,” BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr.,’83, said.

     “It’s a great opportunity for our students and I think it’s a great opportunity for not just the hospital but the commonwealth as well.”

     The five-year pact provides qualified BSU students with guaranteed admission to designated IHP programs, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, health administration, health sciences and health care data analytics.

     Students can also qualify for application fee waivers, tuition reduction/scholarships and personalized academic advising. 

      While the health care industry has made staffing progress, gaps remain in nursing and other patient-facing occupations, according to a recent report from the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association that identified 13,600 vacancies in key hospital roles.

    “We know how critical the health professions shortage is right now. It’s only going to get worse with the aging of the population,” said IHP President Paula Milone-Nuzzo.    

    “We are doing an immense service for the communities that we serve. I am so thrilled that we can do this together.”

       BSU and IHP share values of inclusivity, innovation and a focus on transforming lives, Dr. Milone-Nuzzo said.

     With a liberal arts background, Bridgewater students bring intangible skills that are essential to building strong relationships between patients and health care providers, said Dr. Marci Swede, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences at BSU.

      “This partnership strengthens our longstanding commitment to student opportunity and to preparing the region’s future health care professionals,” President Clark said.