![Learning Partnership Signing](https://www.athens.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Huntsville-Hospital-Signing-11-12-21-scaled.jpg)
Athens State University and the Huntsville Hospital System have finalized a Learning Partnership for all Huntsville Hospital Health System employees who wish to continue their education in the health field. The partnership will primarily focus on Athens State’s RN to BSN program and Health Science programs, including Health Care Management and Health Care Administration.
The Learning Partnership provides a financial incentive for RN’s within the health system to complete their BSN degree at Athens State University. The professional BSN-prepared nurse is associated with improved patient care focused on quality, evidence-based practices, and an overall reduction in patient morbidity and mortality. The BSN degree provides expanded career advancement opportunities as well as advanced knowledge and skills for RN’s. “The Learning Partnership is a great opportunity for both institutions,” said Dr. Mark Reynolds, Assistant Professor of Nursing. “The health care organization will benefit by having more quality BSN-prepared RN’s caring for the consumers of healthcare which are those within the community.”
As a Learning Partner, all employees of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, not just nurses, will be assisted in achieving their educational goals through accessible online and traditional classroom platforms and an affordable, low cost tuition structure. Benefits include:
- 10% tuition discount on all classes and waiver of the application fee
- Complimentary evaluation of previously earned educational credits and training/professional certifications/portfolio for consideration of transfer credit
- Complimentary access to our lab tutors/specialists in our statistics, math, and writing centers
These benefits also extend to parents, spouses, and children of the employee as well.
“We’re excited to have the Huntsville Hospital Health System as a Learning Partner,” said Dr. Philip Way, President of Athens State University. “In addition to standard Learning Partner benefits, students will gain real world experience through internships at Huntsville Hospital, create connections for pathways in career placement, and further serve the needs of the North Alabama region.”
In addition to the Learning Partnership, Athens State just completed and signed an Educational Affiliation Agreement with the Huntsville Hospital Health System for its BSN nursing students to complete clinical experiences with Huntsville Hospital and any of their affiliates, which includes numerous hospitals, healthcare facilities, and clinics. “This agreement provides immense opportunities for our BSN program students to engage in direct practice experiences to ensure a quality and professional BSN-prepared RN,” said Dr. Reynolds.