Amid a nationwide nursing shortage, Ohio Dominican University (ODU) has partnered with Xavier University (XU) to create a pathway for ODU students to pursue a career in the nursing field. Established in fall 2021, ODU students have the ability to apply for a select number of guaranteed seats into XU’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Program upon the completion of their bachelor’s degree.
Through this exclusive partnership, current students have access to a total of 45 seats to XU’s locations in Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland. Each location has 15 seats available, or five per its three start terms throughout the year. Once students complete their bachelor’s degree at ODU, they will then begin the 16-month program at XU to complete their BSN. For more information on this program, visit ohiodominican.edu/Nursing.
This partnership is available to all ODU students, regardless of major, who meet the eligibility requirements, which include maintaining a minimum 2.7 GPA; completing three science-related prerequisite courses with a grade “B” or better; completing a statistics course with a grade “C” or better; and completing a non-nursing degree program.
The partnership will help to address a significant workforce shortage that is being experienced in hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Ohio and across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Registered Nursing (RN) is listed among the top occupations in terms of job growth through 2029. The RN workforce is expected to grow from 3 million in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029, which is an increase of 221,900 or 7%. The BLS projects 175,900 openings for RNs each year through 2029 when nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the number of nurses needed in the United States.
A registered nurse for more than 40 years and former health system executive, ODU President Connie Gallaher says this partnership comes at a critical time for our country as the COVID-19 health crisis has accelerated a shortage that was already taking place prior to the pandemic.
“We are extremely proud that Ohio Dominican is the first university with whom Xavier University has established an ABSN affiliated partnership,” Gallaher said. “This partnership demonstrates Xavier University’s high regard for ODU students and faculty, our community’s commitment to service, and the outstanding quality of education we deliver. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant need for qualified, competent and compassionate healthcare workers in our workforce. That need has been intensified due to the aging Baby Boomer population. This partnership will help to equip our students with the resources, support and guidance they need as they consider pursuing rewarding and fulfilling careers in the nursing field.”
“At a time when nurses are needed now more than ever, we are excited to partner with Ohio Dominican to provide an excellent path for nursing practitioners and leaders in our communities,” said Xavier University President Dr. Collen Hanycz. “As two Catholic universities, we are dedicated to holistic care that will provide exceptional leadership in the nursing field.”