Concordia University Chicago and Resurrection University Offer Joint Degree Nursing Program

RIVER FOREST, Ill., April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Concordia University Chicago, a private, 4-year, liberal arts-based Christian institution located in River Forest, Ill., and Resurrection University, a Catholic, upper division health sciences institution located in Oak Park, Ill., formerly known as the West Suburban College of Nursing, have entered into a partnership agreement to offer a joint degree nursing program beginning in 2012.  Upon completion of the program graduates will receive a joint degree from Concordia University Chicago and Resurrection University and will be awarded one diploma with both institutions listed. 

This is not the first time the two universities have collaborated. For nearly two decades, from 1985 to 2003, Concordia College and the West Suburban Hospital School of Nursing maintained a long-term agreement to offer a joint nursing degree program. Concordia University Chicago and Resurrection University have been in discussions for the past two years exploring the prospect of re-establishing the joint degree program. 

"We are honored to renew our partnership with Resurrection University," says Dr. John F. Johnson, president of Concordia University Chicago. "Our universities share a long-standing history of providing a quality education for students and we are pleased to offer this unique option for students to earn a degree in nursing."   

The way the program is designed, Concordia University Chicago's undergraduate students will spend their first two years taking pre-professional General education and rigorous science courses in preparation for applying to the nursing program at Resurrection University. 

"Our program will provide a rigorous science curriculum for students who choose to pursue a career in nursing," says Dr. Kathleen Craft, chair of the department of natural sciences at Concordia University Chicago. "Our coursework will provide the foundation for our student's success in the nursing program at Resurrection University."

"Our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is very intense," explains Dr. Beth A. Brooks, president of Resurrection University. "The students who are admitted must focus on their studies, learn critical thinking and how to compassionately care for families and patients. These are competent, quality, mission-driven students who are pushed to their limits."

And while the program is academically rigorous, Resurrection University has demonstrated that those who graduate from the BSN program are well prepared for the challenges ahead. In fact, the NCLEX exam pass rate for 2011 was 96 percent, ranking Resurrection University fourth in the State of Illinois. 

"Our student-centered model of teaching and learning embraces active partnerships between the student and teacher," says Dr. Sandie Soldwisch, dean of the nursing program at Resurrection University.  "The students who graduate from our program are definitely well prepared."

About Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, Concordia offers more than 100 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success.

Concordia University Chicago was named as the second fastest growing campus among private nonprofit master's institutions nationally by The Chronicle of Higher Education's 2011 Almanac Edition. For the third consecutive year, combined undergraduate and graduate enrollment has exceeded more than 5,000 students. Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at www.CUChicago.edu.

About Resurrection University
Resurrection University is an upper division, health science university with a College of Nursing and College of Allied Health.  Formerly West Suburban College of Nursing, Resurrection University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees with faculty and staff who take an active interest in the success of its students.

In December 2012, Resurrection University will relocate to new, state-of-the-art facilities at Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago.   Learn more at www.resu.edu.

SOURCE Resurrection University