OWC to Offer Nursing Degree: Courses Will Begin This Fall Just As a Program With UWF Expires

By Rachel Kyler, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

Mar. 1–After four years participating in a cooperative program, Okaloosa-Walton College will offer its own bachelor’s degree in nursing beginning this fall.

“It’s always easier to deal with one institution than two,” said Jill White, the school’s senior vice president.

The University of West Florida and OWC have shared a joint baccalaureate program since 2004. UWF has awarded the degrees.

“The program that we’ve run with UWF has been very successful, but geography made it difficult to manage,” White said.

The Florida State Board of Education last week approved OWC’s plan to expand its baccalaureate program to include a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.

The approval coincides with the expiration of the colleges’ five-year agreement.

Now UWF will redirect its resources to develop a Master of Science in nursing. OWC previously received state approval for bachelor’s degrees in teaching and in project management. The transition should be smooth for students and faculty. All of the classes but one in the joint program were taught by OWC faculty who were contracted by UWF. The change will also be more affordable, White said. A student completing the entire curriculum at OWC will save $1,398. Registration will also be easier; students will have to complete only one set of paperwork. Beth Norton, OWC’s director of nursing, said the program will be helpful to the college, but “it’s more about what it will do for the students and the community.”

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