Akron Children’s Hospital and The University of Akron have joined forces to introduce the Akron Children’s Career Launch Program, an innovative initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of nurses. This program offers a fully funded, two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree, removing financial barriers and accelerating the path to a rewarding healthcare career.
Addressing the Critical Nursing Shortage with Innovative Education
Recognizing the growing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly registered nurses, the Akron Children’s Career Launch Program directly addresses the nursing shortage in the region. Backed by a significant $1.5 million investment from Akron Children’s Hospital, the James H. Hower Career Launch Endowed Fund, and the KeyBank Foundation, this program is set to make a substantial impact on the local healthcare landscape. Accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Board of Nursing, with Higher Learning Commission approval pending, the ADN program ensures high educational standards and quality training.
Comprehensive Support for Aspiring Nurses
The Akron Children’s Career Launch Program goes beyond just tuition coverage. Accepted students benefit from 100% prepaid tuition, covering all associated fees for uniforms, books, and essential supplies. Understanding that various life circumstances can pose challenges to education, the program provides comprehensive wraparound support. This includes assistance with childcare, mileage reimbursement, and addressing other potential obstacles, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive and successfully complete their nursing education.
Flexible Learning and Specialized Pediatric Training
The program offers flexible learning options, allowing students to attend classes on a part-time or full-time basis at University of Akron campuses in Akron or Medina. Hands-on learning is a core component, with labs and clinical experiences conveniently located in and around Akron and Medina. A key differentiator of this program is its specialized focus on pediatric care. Graduates will receive targeted training, equipping them with the specific skills and expertise necessary to excel in caring for children at Akron Children’s Hospital.
A Direct Pathway to Employment and Career Advancement
Upon graduation, ADN program participants will transition directly into employment at Akron Children’s, fulfilling a work commitment and immediately applying their newly acquired skills. This partnership offers a cost-effective and efficient route to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), significantly faster than traditional four-year degree paths. As Chris Young, chief nursing officer at Akron Children’s, emphasizes, this initiative is about creating equitable access to education and specialized training: “This collaboration will help eliminate barriers to nursing education…providing them with specialized training in pediatric care, equipping them with the skills they need to excel in caring for children.”
Strengthening Regional Healthcare Workforce
Dr. Timothy Meyers, executive director of UA’s School of Nursing, highlights the broader impact of the program: “Our partnership with Akron Children’s Hospital represents a remarkable opportunity to curtail the nursing shortage by adding 60 registered nurses over two years…Together, we are not only launching the careers of 60 future nurses but also strengthening the health care forecast in our region.”
Apply Now to Launch Your Nursing Career
The Akron Children’s Career Launch Program is set to begin in January 2025, with a priority application deadline of November 15th. Prospective students need to apply to both The University of Akron and the Akron Children’s Career Launch Program to be eligible for program benefits.
Ready to take the first step towards a fulfilling nursing career?
Applications for the Career Launch Program can be submitted at www.akronchildrens.org/adn. For program prerequisites, curriculum details, and to apply to the University of Akron, please visit www.uakron.edu/adn.
