Akron Children's Hospital and the University of Akron in Ohio are teaming up to offer a free, two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree program for 60 students.
Upon acceptance into the program, students will receive full tuition coverage, along with fees for books, supplies and uniforms. Graduates of the program will then fulfill a work commitment at Akron Children's. Students can attend the program on a part- or full-time basis and are also eligible for wraparound benefits through Akron Children's Career Launch Program, which includes child care support and mileage reimbursement.
"This partnership provides students with a cost-effective path to becoming an RN," Rhonda Larimore, chief human resources officer at Akron Children's, said in an Oct. 21 news release. "The ADN degree program offers a way for students to enter the workforce quicker than a traditional four-year degree. This collaboration gives students the specialized training in pediatric care, equipping them with the skills they need to excel in caring for children."
The hospital invested $1.5 million to fund the degree program, which is accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and Board of Nursing. Approval is pending from the Higher Learning Commission.
The new program begins in January, with a Nov. 15 priority application deadline, the release said.