Talented students interested in a nursing career now have a more streamlined pathway to a high-quality, affordable education thanks to a new partnership between a top nursing school and a highly rated, accessible, and diverse university in St. Louis. Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing and Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will reserve four spots in the Goldfarb nursing program for Harris-Stowe students. These selected students also will receive scholarship assistance.
Admission to Goldfarb is competitive and selective and at times there is a wait list to begin the program. Admission decisions consider applicant’s cumulative grade point average (GPA), core course GPA, completion of prerequisites, and a successful background screening.
Through the new partnership, Goldfarb will reserve up to four places each year for Harris-Stowe students who meet admission requirements. These allocated spaces mean the students can begin their nursing education in their desired term rather than being added to a wait list.
Under the MOU, students accepted into the nursing program will be charged the same tuition rate as they paid at Harris-Stowe, which is recognized for its affordability. In addition, students who earn one of the four reserved spots will be eligible for Goldfarb-sponsored scholarships to assist with tuition costs.
Another benefit of the partnership is that nursing courses taken at Goldfarb will be eligible for a reverse transfer to Harris-Stowe that will enable students to earn a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degree from Harris-Stowe in addition to a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing) from Goldfarb.
“We are excited to partner with Goldfarb School of Nursing to provide Harris-Stowe students an affordable opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s and professional degree simultaneously,” says LaTonia Collins Smith, EdD, Harris-Stowe interim president. “This agreement not only provides students a defined pathway to a career in nursing but also builds upon Harris-Stowe’s strength in the biological sciences.”
Olivia Hilliard, a biology major at Harris-Stowe, is excited to follow her passion for science and nursing. Her goal is to obtain a dual degree and make a difference in the lives of others. “Growing up, I had a traumatic childhood,” she says. “My whole life, our family has struggled financially. We have encountered many obstacles, but we have persevered and overcome. I always told myself when I was in a position to do so that I would pursue a career that involved helping others.”
Nurses are in high demand. Nursing offers a variety of career paths in health care, including bedside nursing, community nursing, education, research, nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, and administration.
“This exciting collaboration will attract more talented and accomplished students from Harris-Stowe to Goldfarb to help fill the growing need for well-prepared, passionate nurses,” says Nancy Ridenour, PhD, RN, APRN, FAAN and the Maxine Clark and Bob Fox president at Goldfarb. “Thanks to generous donors, we’re also able to offer scholarships to the outstanding Harris-Stowe students accepted into our nursing program to make their education more affordable. Our goal is to help all students reach their fullest potential.”
About Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
With a legacy beginning in 1902, Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing has a strong tradition of educating health care professionals.
Goldfarb School of Nursing is located on the Washington University Medical Center campus in St. Louis and is affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, with a second site at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. Goldfarb School of Nursing has nationally recognized educational facilities with state-of-the-art classrooms, lecture halls and sophisticated Clinical Simulation Institute labs with patient simulation manikins and exam rooms that provide high-tech, advanced nursing care experiences.
Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and is approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing and Higher Education Commission.
About Harris-Stowe State University
Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU), located in midtown St. Louis offers the most affordable bachelor’s degree in the state of Missouri. The University is a fully accredited four-year institution with more than 50 majors, minors and certificate program options in education, business and arts and sciences. Harris-Stowe’s mission is to provide outstanding educational opportunities for individuals seeking a rich and engaging academic experience. HSSU’s programs are designed to nurture intellectual curiosity and build authentic skills that prepare students for leadership roles in a global society.
Learn more about Harris-Stowe State University.
