Castleton University receives NECHE approval to deliver nursing program in Bennington
Castleton University has received approval from the New England Commission of Higher Education to establish a location in Bennington to deliver its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program beginning next month.
The approval comes along with the completion of a lease agreement with the owner of The Vermont Mill in Bennington to house the program on the fourth floor.
In May, Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) designated Castleton University as its preferred partner for nursing education following the closure of Southern Vermont College. Without the program, SVHC anticipated there would be a shortage of registered nurses with a bachelor of science degree to fill vacant positions in the immediate future and beyond.
SVHC has made a commitment to offer employment to Castleton students who satisfactorily complete the BSN program, obtain licensure, and meet pre-employment requirements. Additionally, SVHC will provide assistance with payment of tuition debt up to the full balance if the individual remains employed within the health system for a stated number of years.
SVHC is a four-time Magnet® designated hospital and recognized as one of the leading small rural health systems in the Northeast. Magnet® designated hospitals—health care systems rated as providing the highest quality care, patient experience, collaboration and innovation—require a significant number of credentialed nurses with BSNs in their workforce.
Southwestern Vermont Health Care and Castleton University will also maintain their nursing education relationships with Vermont Technical College and Community College of Vermont and establish professional development opportunities for current SVHC employees.
Castleton is currently accepting applications for it Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. For more information, please call the admissions office at 802-468-1213 or 800-639-8521, email info@castleton.edu, or visit the Admissions Office.