Dual Degree Partnership in Nursing (DDPN)

The Dual Degree Partnership in Nursing (DDPN) represents a unique articulation agreement between ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ's Department of Nursing and St. Joseph's College of Nursing at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. The DDPN requires two years of full-time study at ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ (years 1 & 4) and two years of full-time study at St. Joseph's College of Nursing (years 2 & 3) for high school graduates pursuing a nursing career.

Students attend ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ full time in Year 1, taking core liberal arts and science courses while adjusting to the rigors of college academics. They put their classroom learning into practice during Year 2 when they begin nursing courses and begin direct patient care at St. Joseph's College of Nursing. Students continue taking nursing courses at St. Joseph's for Year 3, graduate, and then take the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). They return full time to ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ in Year 4 to complete the bachelor's degree program requirements. 


 

Campus Life
DDPN students live on the ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ campus for all four years. There, they may enjoy an array of social and cultural events, such as concerts, films, lectures, club meetings and more. Only three miles separate ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ from St. Joseph’s College of Nursing, giving students in Years 2 and 3 easy access between campuses.
Recreation
DDPN students may participate in club and intramural sports at ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ. They also have full use of ÃØÉ«ÊÓƵ’s recreation center—a modern facility with a swimming pool, fitness center, weight room, elevated jogging track, racquetball courts and more. 

Patient Care
St. Joseph’s College of Nursing integrates direct patient care experience into every aspect of the curriculum. Students may also practice their skills in St. Joseph’s state-of-the-art simulation lab. Because they gain so much direct patient care experience, graduates enjoy plentiful job opportunities, including those at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center.
Student Support
The DDPN offers several options to help students make a smooth transition from high school to college, including: 

• Nursing Residential and Academic Learning Community in which first year students reside near one another, creating opportunities for group study and shared community service projects. 

• Academic Support Center, offering tutoring services and seminars on topics such as time management and study skills.

• Regular faculty advising, peer mentoring, support groups and first-year advisement seminar.