Lakeland University and Moraine Park Technical College will address the nursing workforce shortage by partnering to create a new educational pathway for future nurses that focuses on real-world experience. Beginning this fall, students can simultaneously enroll in both schools on their way to earning an associate degree in nursing from Moraine Park Technical College and a bachelor of science in nursing from Lakeland in four years. Along the way, students will supplement classroom learning through clinical placements via MPTC’s partners and unique to Lakeland’s Cooperative Education program, by working in related jobs which will rotate students between a number of nursing specialties allowing them to explore future career specializations. The new program comes at an important time. The Wisconsin Hospital Association’s 20th annual workforce report found that growth in Wisconsin’s nursing workforce is lagging behind the growth needed to meet current and future demand. The report emphasized the need to expand career pathway options to grow Wisconsin’s health care workforce. Additionally, nursing topped the 2023 list of the most commonly sought occupations in Wisconsin based on number of job postings. Students can take classes at both institutions simultaneously. Students can take the licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX – RN) the term they complete the bachelor’s degree in nursing. Lakeland President Beth Borgen said the new degree program, the latest venture between longtime partners Lakeland and MPTC, leverages the strengths of both schools. “Our partners in the technical college system have exceptional nurse educators and remarkable skills laboratories, simulation structure and clinical placements that prepare students for nursing practice,” Borgen said. “Lakeland’s Co-Op program allows students to earn up to 25% of their degree through academic credit earned by working with our partner employers. “These graduates will enter the workforce with a great deal of experience so they can contribute immediately.” Moraine Park President Bonnie Baerwald said they are proud to partner with Lakeland to offer even more educational opportunities for district students. “Through this partnership, students will be enrolled as Moraine Park nursing students, learning from our renowned faculty in our state-of-the-art labs while concurrently wo rking toward their BSN from Lakeland,” Baerwald said. “The innovative approach to accomplishing both degrees simultaneously is the unique element in the program. This opportunity is part of our already robust transfer opportunities at Moraine Park, giving our students more options when pursuing educational goals.” Students enrolled in the partnership program can engage in Lakeland’s residential campus experiences including athletics, music and theater experiences, Greek life, service learning and study abroad opportunities. “Nearly 50% of female prospective students who inquire about Lakeland ask about nursing, so this addition is long overdue,” Borgen said. “MPTC is a perfect partner because our missions align in that we seek out innovative partnerships to improve access to degrees which, in this case, will build the nursing workforce within our communities.” Borgen said the program will allow Lakeland to leverage its role as a talent importer for the region. Lakeland has traditionally recruited students from throughout the U.S. who often choose to remain in Wisconsin after graduation. It is the latest partnership between Lakeland, a four-year private school, and one of the state’s technical colleges. Lakeland has centers housed at Fox Valley Technical College, Mid-State Technical College, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College. “To meet today’s challenges and deliver programming that students and employers need, partnerships are critical,” Borgen said. To learn more about the program or to inquire about enrollment, visit Lakeland.edu/nursing.
