Davenport University, NMC celebrate first graduates of fast-track BSN program

12 nurses among first in Michigan to graduate, find employment after 2022 legislation

Northwestern Michigan College and Davenport University are celebrating the first 12 graduates of a new, fast-track bachelor of science in nursing program at a pinning ceremony on August 19 on NMC's Great Lakes campus.

The pinning ceremony marks the transition of the graduates, 11 of whom are also NMC alumni, from student nurses to professional nurses. All are already employed at regional providers including Munson Medical Center, the Grand Traverse County Health Department, and Harbor Care Associates.

A BSN offers nurses higher salaries and broader job and career advancement opportunities than an RN. They are among the first students in Michigan to complete their BSNs through a 2022 legislative initiative designed to expand nursing education. NMC and Davenport announced their partnershipunder the legislation in February 2023.

In the concurrent program, students are enrolled for two years at NMC and a third year at Davenport, providing a faster, less expensive path to a BSN, which is increasingly sought by employers. Munson Medical Center requires its nurses to earn a BSN within five years of hire. Students also receive robust support services, including a nursing-specific adviser, a nursing student navigator who provides tutoring support, and a researcher responsible for tracking student success through the completion of the BSN.

"We're proud to partner with NMC to address the healthcare talent gap in the Traverse City and Northwest Michigan region," said Zach Whitaker, Davenport Campus Director, NMC University Center, Traverse City. "This partnership fully encompasses the University Center partnership established in 1994 to offer bachelor and graduate opportunities through Davenport University, without having to leave their communities. We are happy to say all 12 graduates have already found employment in their field."

Amy Stahley, dean, College of Health Professions at Davenport University, said "Our partnership with NMC provides an educational pathway that is empowering, convenient, and affordable to nurses, allowing them to take the next step in their education and training. Together, we are not only meeting the critical demands of the present, but actively contributing to the future of health care in northern Michigan."

Graduate Aliyah Nowlin of Traverse City said that the partnership saved her more than $3,000. NMC students get Davenport credit for passing the NCLEX state licensing exam, which comes at the end of the associate degree program. Nowlin, 21, earned her associate degree in nursing in May 2023 and her BSN in December 2023.

"With the way the program is set up, they gave me a chunk of credits for just having my license," Nowlin said. "That's a third of your BSN, right there. That was really empowering for me."

She plans to pursue her master's degree in nursing this fall through Davenport while working on the stroke/telemetry unit at Munson Medical Center.

"I wouldn't be starting my master's this fall without that partnership program," said Nowlin, who also took advantage of tuition reimbursement offered to employees by Munson.

The pinning ceremony's contemporary origin dates to Florence Nightingale, considered the founder of modern nursing. Each nurse is presented with his or her pin by someone they have selected, often a family member.

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