Leaders from Faith Baptist Bible College and Mercy College of Health Sciences gather to launch their collaboration. From left are Ken Rathbun, Faith Baptist vice president of academic services and college dean; Jim Tillotson, Faith Baptist president; Dr. Adreain Henry, Mercy College president; and Timothy Laurent, Mercy College vice president of academic affairs and provost. The partner organizations are based in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mercy College of Health Sciences and a Baptist college in Des Moines, Iowa, have partnered to create a faith-based nursing study program.
Through the offering from Mercy College and Faith Baptist Bible College, students can earn an associate of arts degree in biblical studies as well as an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing, all in four years.
Mercy College President Adreain Henry said in a press release that combining the disciplines of faith and science is "foundational to the success of these future health care professionals." Henry added of the colleges that "faith underscores everything
we do, and we are committed to upholding our shared Christian values through this innovative partnership."
Faith Baptist Bible College President Jim Tillotson said in the release that the colleges are offering the dual degree "to produce graduates that go out and make a difference" and who become "outstanding servant leaders in their fields."
According to a website about the dual degree program, participating students live on Faith Baptist's campus. During their first three years, the students take classes at the bible college to gain a firm biblical foundation. They also complete the prerequisites
needed to qualify for admission to Mercy College's 12-month program to earn a BSN. During their fourth year of study, students complete their nursing classes, labs and clinicals on the Mercy College campus. The campuses are about 10 miles apart. Some
classes are taught virtually.
After they have completed four years of study, students are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse.
Students are encouraged to work in health care during their studies. Mercy College provides several health care-related study pathways and provides job opportunities to work at MercyOne facilities during their schooling and after graduation. MercyOne,
part of Trinity Health, is an Iowa health system that includes Catholic campuses. Mercy College of Health Sciences is an affiliate of MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center.