Montgomery County Community College recently collaborated with York College of Pennsylvania to create a convenient, cost-effective pathway for MCCC nursing graduates to continue their education and earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

York College’s online RN to BSN Program provides registered nurses the opportunity to complete their BSN in as few as 12 months, and all of MCCC’s Nursing program credits will transfer to the BSN program. Since the program is completely online, students can continue to work while obtaining their degree.

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, a national accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Through this partnership, York will offer preferred tuition rates to MCCC nursing graduates of $9,900 for 10 core nursing curriculum courses, which is $330 per credit hour. The preferred tuition rate also applies to family members of MCCC graduates who hold valid nursing licenses and are admitted to the RN to BSN program.

“This partnership highlights MCCC’s strong commitment to the professional growth and continued education of its nursing graduates,” said Cheryl DiLanzo, MCCC Temporary Dean of Health Sciences. “Obtaining a BSN will help them expand their professional roles and further advance in their careers.”

Students who graduate with a BSN have a wide range of career possibilities.

"The Dr. Donald E. and Lois J. Myers School of Nursing and Health Professions is committed to the development of competent future health professionals,” said Nezam Al-Nsair, Dean of the Myers School. “We are very excited to partner with MCCC to extend our BSN program to its nursing graduates. This partnership will contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession and growth of their professional careers."

MCCC’s rigorous associate degree Nursing Program was approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing and was reaccredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing in 2020.

Upon completion of MCCC’s Nursing Program, students are eligible to apply for licensure by taking the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). In 2020, MCCC’s nursing graduates had a first-time pass rate of 96.27 percent on the NCLEX-RN. By comparison, the national first-time pass rate is 88 percent and the state first-time pass rate is 91.61.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than average for all occupations. The demand for nurses is expected to grow due to the stronger emphasis on preventative care, increasing rates of chronic conditions and the need for healthcare services for the baby-boomer generation.