TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A new Internet-based partnership between the DCH Health System and The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing is striving to put advanced nursing degrees within easier reach of registered nurses who work at DCH’s four hospitals.

Kay Troxler, vice president of human resources for the DCH Health System, and Dr. Sara Barger, dean of UA’s Capstone College of Nursing, agreed to formalize the partnership.

Dr. Jeanette VanderMeer, assistant professor in the UA Capstone College of Nursing and coordinator of the RN Mobility tracks, said the strengths of the partnership include increased flexibility and improved communication. The agreement is designed to give nurses more flexibility in earning advanced degrees.

Through the use of the Internet, nurses can complete the nursing courses in one year, without facing the restrictions of being in class on a specific time and day. Instead, RN students have the flexibility of choosing the best time to go online and complete the requirements. Clinical activities are designed on an individual basis, and efforts are made to arrange locations and times convenient to students.

The DCH Health System operates DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Northport Medical Center, Fayette Medical Center and Pickens County Medical Center in Carrollton.

Prior to beginning the upper division aspect of the curriculum, RN students complete UA core curriculum requirements. The RN student with an associate degree will have already completed many of the lower division courses.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing opens additional doors for RNs such as opportunities to become case managers, clinical specialists, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives or nurse educators. Master’s degrees are necessary to fill such roles, and students must first obtain a baccalaureate degree.

UA received a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for 2004-2007 to expand the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing track.

The University of Alabama has similar partnerships with two other health care institutions, St. Vincent’s Hospital and AlaCare Home Health and Hospice. Partnership agreements also are in place with 10 community colleges in Alabama with associate degree programs in nursing.