Chamberlain University and UH Team Up on Innovative Nursing Degree Program for EMT/Paramedics

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Chamberlain University College of Nursing and University Hospitals (UH) have launched a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Hybrid Option to support working healthcare professionals such as EMT/paramedics who are interested in earning their BSN while also balancing families, jobs, and other responsibilities.

“The program is created to help address a national nursing shortage that is affecting health systems locally. Some estimates project that the nursing shortage in Ohio will grow to a deficit of nearly 50,000 nurses by 2030,” said Kim Shelnick, UH Vice President, Talent & Acquisition.

The partnership will offer a flexible hybrid program for EMT/paramedics that accommodates their work schedules.

UH offers a student loan repayment for eligible EMT/paramedics who complete the program and join UH.

“The program is one of many ways UH is working collaboratively to address a growing nursing shortage and provide our patients with the highest quality and most compassionate care,” Melissa Cole, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC, CENP, UH Vice President, Emergency Medicine & Integrated Care Delivery Operations, said. “Before we created our program with Chamberlain, many EMT/paramedics who want to become RNs didn’t have a pathway because of conflicts with the demands of their work and inflexible educational requirements. Now there’s a program that respects their unique needs and will help us grow our nursing community at University Hospitals.”

Brenda Spear, DNP, RN, CNS, NEA-BC, FNAP, president of Chamberlain’s Cleveland campus, said, “As part of the Cleveland community, we are pleased to partner with UH on this program and make a lasting impact on the healthcare workforce in the area. One of our goals is to make nursing education more accessible, and this program will expand access to many who want to pursue their BSN degree on top of other responsibilities.”

Registration is now open for this new program option for UH employees and affiliates. Visit the Chamberlain University website for program information and to apply.