Arellano University - International Nursing Program Establishes Groundbreaking Partnership with West Virginia University

In a significant stride towards enhancing nursing education in the Philippines, Arellano University-International Nursing Program (AU-INP) has forged a transformative partnership with West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

Dr. Emerita C. Mendoza, AU-INP Director, Mr. Philip M. Flores, Director for International Academic Linkages, and Prof. Carla May C. Gonzales, AU-INP faculty member embarked on a week-long visit to West Virginia, from January 20 to 26, 2024 to lay the groundwork for this global collaboration. The team was also joined by Dr. Joan Propst, who played a significant role in spearheading the establishment of the International Nursing Program in the Philippines in 2005. The primary objective of the visit was to explore avenues for enriching the educational experience for nursing students through the 3+ 1 pathway under the INP.

The AU-INP delegates were welcomed by the WVU School of Nursing community. The activities were led by the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs at WVU, Dr. Brad Phillips, who ensured that there would be productive discussions with the officials and faculty members of WVU in line with the integration of international perspectives and best practices in the nursing curriculum. Dr. Tara Hulsey, Dean, and E. Jane Martin Endowed Professor at WVU School of Nursing expressed her enthusiasm for solidifying the foundations of the partnership. During the meeting, she conveyed her commitment to ensure a smooth transition for the first batch of students who are set to finish their final year at WVU by the Fall Semester of SY 2024-2025. The delegation also had the privilege of meeting with President Gordon Gee of West Virginia University, as well as Dr. Clay Marsh, Chancellor and Executive Dean for Health Sciences. With their extensive knowledge and experience as administrators, they bring forth mutual goals, shared values, and a long-term vision to sustain and expand the partnership.

The AU-INP team also met with course and clinical coordinators of the School of Nursing to discuss the WVU nursing curriculum that will be adopted in the Philippines. It focused on aligning the curriculum of AU-INP with the rigorous standards upheld by WVU. Each faculty member brought diverse perspectives on innovative teaching strategies to the table, that will provide the AU-INP students with a well-rounded and globally competitive education. Moreover, the AU-INP team engaged with various department directors to explore and understand student life at WVU. These interactions aimed to identify opportunities for student support services, cultural exchange, and extracurricular activities that will contribute to the overall growth and development of AU-INP students when they transfer to WVU.

In addition to the substantive discussions, the AU-INP delegates were afforded the unique opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facilities at WVU Health Sciences Center, showcasing their Simulation Training and Education for Patient Safety (STEPS) center where students are immersed in new technologies that promote experiential learning. The visit extended to WVU Medicine’s flagship hospital, J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, and the recently built WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital, where the delegates witnessed the advanced medical technologies utilized by the institution in providing patient care. Furthermore, the AU-INP delegation enjoyed a quick yet comprehensive tour of Morgantown, via the Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system. This efficient mode of transportation makes it convenient for the students to move within the campus community to see the diverse multicultural heritage that brims with the gold and blue spirit of WVU.

The collaboration between Arellano University-International Nursing Program and West Virginia University marks a significant milestone in international education partnerships. As both institutions look forward to the implementation of this unique collaboration, the future holds promising prospects for the AU-INP students as they are set to benefit from a nursing curriculum that merges the strengths and excellence of Filipino and American nursing education.

– Carla May Gonzales, RN, MAN