Oklahoma Christian University recently announced their partnership with two hospitals, Mercy Oklahoma and Chickasaw Medical Center, although Oklahoma Christian is still seeking approval from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
The hospitals will work with Oklahoma Christian to allow their employees to earn a degree at the university while working at the hospital. Oklahoma Christian first partnered with INTEGRIS Hospital in spring 2021 to achieve a similar goal: to allow students to take their learning beyond the classroom while still taking classes on campus.
Chief Strategy Officer, Brandon Tatum, said this move will take a step towards solving workplace shortages.
“Higher education has not tended to be responsive to statewide shortages or think creatively about how to solve workforce issues,” Tatum said. “Through this program, students will be more experienced and better prepared than their peers to enter the workforce or take their career to the next level.”
This move echoes Oklahoma Christian’s previous decision to open the New College, which helps high school students earn college credit and allows working professionals to obtain a degree while still working.
Sada Knowles was appointed the Dean of the New College in summer 2020. The program, which included the partnership with INTEGRIS in its degree plan, helps nurses, young professionals and high school students earn college credit. Knowles works closely with Tatum to bring workforce professionals into academia.
Knowles said she was proud of how the university has served residential students over the years, but they can do more.
“There are people across the state who haven’t had the opportunity to commit to the four years many degrees require,” Knowles said. “New College is taking our strengths, connecting with people, educating them, and bringing those strengths to people who haven’t yet had the OC experience.”
Ryan Walters, the secretary of education for Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, said the model is modernizing traditional higher education.
“As we move forward, states and higher education institutions must become innovators and problem solvers to fill the employment gaps that will continue broadening,” Walters said.
The New College also offers certificates for students to add new skills to their repertoire. Certificates are available in business, medical lab science, ministry and alternative teacher education. Students and working professionals can take advantage of the classes and degree plans offered to further their careers while working or taking classes.
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