UJ nursing students practicing for their careers in the simulation lab. Photo courtesy of University of Jamestown

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (UJ) – The University of Jamestown and Dakota College at Bottineau have entered into a new partnership to help address the state’s nursing shortage.

Under the agreement, students will begin their nursing education at one of DCB’s Dakota Nursing Program sites in Valley City, Minot, or Bottineau, earn their Associate’s Degree, and be eligible to become a registered nurse. Students who complete DCB’s program will then be able to seamlessly transfer into UJ’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Once at UJ, students will be able to complete their remaining coursework either in person on UJ’s campus or online in as little as 18 months.

“DCB welcomes the opportunity to the partner with the University of Jamestown to allow our students to continue their education and earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN),” said Larry Brooks, DCB Associate Dean. “This partnership will open the door for students at other Dakota Nursing Program campuses (Bismarck State College, Lake Region State College, and Williston State College) to earn a BSN through UJ and address the state’s and region’s nursing workforce shortage.”

Currently, nearly 500 nursing positions are open across the state in a variety of settings ranging from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes.

“UJ has the oldest four-year nursing program in the state and has prepared thousands of women and men to enter the nursing profession since the late 1940s. The partnership we have with DCB is the next step in our program’s evolution,” said Dr. Paul Olson, UJ’s provost. “Most importantly, this partnership will help us help students reach their educational and professional goals while addressing a critical labor need across the state.”

Students interested in the program can view program details online at either www.dakotacollege.edu or www.uj.edu.