Release Date: 
Monday, November 5, 2018

Henry Ford College and Eastern Michigan University create innovative nursing degree collaboration

Six people standing beside HFC and EMU banners

Photo, L-R: HFC Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Nealon, HFC School of Health and Human Services Dean Susan Shunkwiler, EMU Director of Nursing Michael Williams, EMU Provost Rhonda Longworth, HFC Associate Dean of Health and Human Services Debbie Szymanski, and EMU director of Community College Relations Colleen Kibin.

An innovative agreement between Henry Ford College and Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti will enable nursing students to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in nursing while still working toward their Registered Nurse (RN) certification. Some nursing students will be able to complete a bachelor’s degree in just three years of full-time study.

This joint effort between the HFC School of Health and Human Services and the EMU College of Health and Human Services’ School of Nursing is called the EMU/HFC Collaborative ADN/BSN Program.

How it works

Students will take classes at HFC during the fall and winter semesters, and at EMU during the spring and summer semesters. By sequencing the classes this way, students may complete their bachelor’s degree in nursing at within a year after finishing their associate degree in nursing at HFC. HFC students can receive their RN license if they pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). These students can work as an RN while completing their bachelor’s degree at EMU.

“We are excited about this agreement between Henry Ford College and Eastern Michigan University,” said HFC President Russell Kavalhuna. “The nursing program at Henry Ford College is a point of pride for us, and we are happy to provide our students this path to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Eastern Michigan University. Student success is our mission. We are proud to have partners like Eastern Michigan University in this effort.”

The future of the nursing profession

EMU President James Smith sees great value in the collaboration as well.

“Eastern Michigan University is pleased to be the leader among Michigan universities in the number of transfer agreements we have with community colleges,” said Smith. “We are thrilled to partner with Henry Ford College’s nursing program and bring opportunities to nursing students for a seamless transition to receive a full degree.”

Under this agreement, EMU will waive its normal 60-hour transfer rule and require that a minimum of 30 credit hours must be completed in nursing courses offered by EMU. General Education requirements may be satisfied by the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) as part of this program.

“We are very excited about this collaboration,” said HFC Dean of Health and Human Services Dr. Susan Shunkwiler. “Many of our students desire a bachelor’s degree in nursing, but lack the time or financial resources to earn one. This agreement gives our students a great opportunity that is affordable and achievable, while maintaining our high academic standards. We are fortunate to have educational partners such as EMU, who understand the needs of our students and who value high-quality nursing education.”

For further information about the HFC Nursing Program, visit hfcc.edu/nursing or call (313) 845-6305.