FCN's New Affiliation Agreement Provides Pathway to Nursing Career for Juniata Students

Juniata College's students wishing to pursue a nursing degree now have a clear pathway, thanks to a partnership with the Villanova University M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.

Through a new affiliation agreement between the two institutions, at least five (5) qualified graduates or graduating Juniata students per year will be accepted to Villanova’s Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program track for college graduates which include a 14-month express and 23-month flex option and incorporates all of the standard components of Villanova’s nursing program in a concentrated timeframe.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Villanova to provide this amazing opportunity for our students to matriculate into a highly regarded nursing program after their time at Juniata,” said Tricia Hunt, Director of the Health Professions Program. “The seamless nature of the affiliation agreement will allow our students to focus on getting the most out of their Juniata experience knowing that they will have a place at Villanova to complete their goal of a career in nursing.”

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing is approved by the State Board of Nursing of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and upon completion of the undergraduate program, graduates are eligible to take the licensing examination (NCLEX) for professional registered nurses. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, as are the master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program.

"We are delighted to formalize this important relationship with Juniata College as we continue to educate the next generation of nurses for our nation’s health care system," said Donna S. Havens, PhD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor, Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. 

Prospective candidates must successfully complete a four-year undergraduate degree at Juniata, completing undergraduate prerequisite courses (or equivalencies) mutually agreed upon in advance by Juniata and Villanova. They must also meet all admission requirements for the Villanova BSN program before seamlessly transitioning to the second degree program.

Founded in 1876, Juniata is an independent, co-educational college of liberal arts and sciences that draws students from more than 35 U.S. states and dozens of nations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and South America. Juniata’s exceptional programs in science and education; innovative business and international studies offerings; signature programs in peace studies, museum studies, and integrated media arts; and experience-driven humanities offerings pair with the Juniata College Curriculum’s focus on local and global engagement.

Juniata is among the nation’s top private colleges due to its educational quality, commitment to access, and distinctive environment and has been recognized as one of the nation’s “Colleges that Change Lives.” Students use the College’s Program of Emphasis (POE) system to work with two faculty advisers to shape their education. The POE is more flexible than a major and empowers Juniata students to pursue varied interests and talents. One third of Juniata students author individualized POEs.