NEWPORT NEWS — Christopher Newport University and Riverside College of Health Sciences are offering a new opportunity for students who want to be nurses.
The two institutions have forged an innovative 3+2 dual-degree partnership that will allow students to spend three years at Christopher Newport (CNU) immersed in a rigorous liberal arts education followed by two years at Riverside College of Health Sciences (RCHS) receiving specialized nursing training.
In just five years, students will earn both a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, according to CNU, adding Riverside intends to immediately offer employment to graduates of the program who meet all other qualifications.
Christopher Newport President William G. Kelly and Dr. Robin Nelhuebel, President of RCHS, put ink to the partnership today at a signing ceremony at RCHS, surrounded by educators and students from both institutions.
Noting that the CNU campus is just a few steps from Riverside Regional Medical Center, Kelly said, “Great neighbors make for a great community. CNU is proud to be the hometown university for Newport News. We are proud that we can work with Riverside to educate and prepare the nurses so critical to the health of our community.”
“We are proud to partner with Christopher Newport University to create a local pathway to high-demand careers in nursing and allied health,” added Nelhuebel. “This agreement supports the health care workforce needs of the Peninsula and beyond while leveraging the strengths of both institutions.”
The partnership also addresses the growing need for healthcare professionals in the region, CNU said. With nearly 200,000 registered nurse (RN) openings across the country projected annually through 2032, the program aims to reduce the shortage locally and nationwide.
“There is a nursing shortage, so programs producing well-educated nurses are needed,” said Dr. Gwynne Brown, Director of Pre-Health Programs at CNU. “In addition, nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing gain an education that will prepare them for leadership positions, as well as the opportunity to pursue higher degrees in education, such as nurse practitioner (NP).”
