FLORENCE, AL - The University of North Alabama and Alabama A&M University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will develop a partnership between the two institutions and benefit A&M graduates eager to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track at UNA.

"The primary objective of this MOU or learning agreement is to develop a partnership that benefits both the University of North Alabama and Alabama A&M University by offering qualified AAMU graduates incentives to pursue the accelerated BSN track at UNA. It will also assist in satisfying the need for underrepresented minority nurses in the state of Alabama," said Dr. Daniel Wims, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research at AAMU. "This agreement builds on Alabama A&M University's strength in the biological sciences and provides its students a defined pathway to pursue a career in the nursing/healthcare profession within 16 months."

AAMU students who are qualified for the accelerated BSN track at UNA are eligible to apply for admission to the program. These individuals are also eligible to a scholarship waiver to minimize the financial burden to complete their degree.

"This is an important agreement for both institutions," said Dr. Ross Alexander, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at UNA. "We are so pleased to welcome Alabama A&M students to our campus to participate in our accelerated BSN track and to continue to serve as the workforce development university for Alabama."

The accelerated BSN track allows students to complete their nursing requirements in a 16-month timeframe, which allows qualified and able nurses to enter the healthcare setting sooner.

"The accelerated BSN track has been such a benefit for hospitals and healthcare providers in Alabama and throughout the region," said Dr. Vicki Pierce, Dean of the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. "We believe this opportunity will be a benefit for the AAMU students, too. Knowing you can complete your degree sooner and get into the workplace helps motivate our students to graduate and be confident in their skills at the bedside."