Thiel and Sharon Regional Collaborate on Nursing Program

GREENVILLE, Pa. — Thiel College and Sharon Regional Medical Center-Sharon Regional School of Nursing announced a collaborative program that will graduate students with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Classes begin in the fall of 2021. Students will be enrolled in Thiel’s Bachelor of Science in nursing program, and will also be admitted to Sharon Regional’s Registered Nurse program. Students will be active members of the Thiel community and eligible for all student life programs and athletics.

Those who meet the requirements will get an R.N. through Sharon Regional, and complete additional coursework at Thiel to graduate with a B.S.N.

“The addition of nursing is exciting news for the region and for the College’s allied health programs,” said Thiel’s president, Susan Traverso. “The current demands on our region’s and our nation’s healthcare system have shown the tremendous need for qualified and trained healthcare professionals. This innovative affiliation with Sharon Regional benefits western Pennsylvania and beyond, and it shows what can be accomplished when institutions collaborate.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for all health care occupations will increase 18% by 2026, which is the highest among all occupational groups in the country. The program comes at a time when the health care industry generally — and nurses, specifically — are at the center of the fight against COVID-19.

A report from the Pennsylvania Auditor General suggests that by 2030, Pennsylvania will have a shortage of 4,000 nurses.

“We have traditionally offered a very successful diploma program at Sharon Regional School of Nursing, but do realize some students prefer the degree path,” said Robert Rogalski, president of Sharon Regional Medical Center. “With that being said, we are proud to be collaborating with Thiel College to offer our students the ability to obtain credit for coursework done at Sharon Regional towards their Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thiel College.

“We are dedicated to helping those who have a calling to serve our communities through the path that works best for them. Having a partner like Thiel, who has a passion and reputation for advanced academic programs, provides an alternative to our diploma program, so students can succeed with either path they choose,” he said.

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.