Partnership with Greenville Hospital System and Greenville Technical College Addresses Nursing Shortage
The University of South Carolina Upstate, Greenville Hospital System and Greenville Technical College have formed a partnership to address the nursing shortage that is plaguing the healthcare industry. The partnership was formally announced on February 3 at the USC Upstate, Greenville Campus.
"The nursing shortage is real and continuing and this collaboration provides USC Upstate with a means to address the shortage across the Upstate corridor," said Dr. John C. Stockwell, chancellor of USC Upstate.
The Greenville Hospital System has committed $200,000 per year for three years that will allow students who have completed their associate's degree in nursing at Greenville Technical College to complete their bachelor of science in nursing degree in the USC Upstate program offered at the USC Upstate, Greenville Campus.
"The USC Upstate partnership with Greenville Technical College is greatly beneficial to Greenville and Upstate residents," said Stockwell. "The GHS grant opens the door to even further benefits. Now, graduates of GTC's associate degree in nursing program can now move seamlessly into the USC Upstate bachelor of science degree in nursing. The nursing career ladder is extended and more nurses are provided."
The RN to BSN program will launch formally in August 23, enrolling a cohort of 45 students, and will be comprised of courses in nursing, sciences and liberal arts.
"Greenville Technical College, the University of South Carolina Upstate , and the Greenville Hospital System share a long history of working as partners to ensure a reliable source of well-trained, highly qualified nursing professionals," said Frank D. Pinckney, GHS President and CEO. "Today's announcement further strengthens our partnership and demonstrates our continued commitment to the students, the patients, and the communities we are privileged to serve."
"This is a perfect example of the educational and medical sectors working together in harmony to provide advanced learning for nurses to ensure a better quality of medical care to the Greenville and Upstate community," said Dr. Thomas E. Barton, Jr., president of Greenville Technical College. "I commend both hospitals for their past support and for their commitment to the future."