Drury, Cox College launching nursing program partnership

Drury University and Cox College signed a partnership to create a dual-degree program focused on nursing students.

Scheduled to start in the fall semester, students can earn a bachelor’s in biology at Drury and a bachelor’s in nursing in four years, according to a news release.

Officials pointed to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study that found more than 1 million new nurses will be needed by 2022.

“As the need for medical professionals continues to rise, this dual-degree collaboration presents both a great opportunity and a valuable resource,” said CoxHealth President and CEO Steve Edwards, who’s also a Drury alumnus and trustee, in the release. “We want to make sure the people of this community are cared for. This venture does that by ensuring that there are high-quality medical professionals locally, and by providing a new way for our friends and neighbors to develop professionally.”

The program is designed to give nursing students a liberal-arts base, including writing and speaking skills and study in diverse cultures. Students will have access to the services of both schools.

“It’s a natural fit, and it fills a need by going beyond technical skills and ensuring that graduates understand the human and cultural side of health care,” said Beth Harville, dean of Drury’s natural and mathematical sciences department, in the release.