Sentara College of Health Sciences ends degree programs

Chesapeake-based Sentara College of Health Sciences announced last week that it will stop offering nursing and non-nursing degree programs and will move those courses to state and regional universities.

The 130-year-old school also will pause admissions and evaluate its non-degree offerings, according to President Angela Taylor’s announcement posted April 17 on the Chesapeake-based college’s website, branding the change as “a new path forward.” Staff members and faculty were informed of the change April 16, according to the college.

Current degree-track students can complete their programs at the college or a designated partner, her statement said.

There are approximately 460 students at SCOHS, including 385 in degree programs, Sentara spokesperson Mike Kafka said in a statement. In addition to the end of degree-granting programs, Sentara is also “evaluating our certificate offerings, including the types of programs, structure and delivery format that will best meet future needs,” Taylor wrote.

Her announcement added that Sentara is “taking steps to align our academic model with current and emerging workforce needs across the communities we serve. … This shift reflects a common model in health care today, where health systems partner with external academic institutions rather than operate their own degree programs.”

While the exact changes are still being finalized, the college is working to establish partnerships with state and regional universities to transition all nursing and non-nursing degree-granting programs, Taylor wrote. Meanwhile, select certificate programs will continue to accept new students, including for medical assistant, patient care technician, cardiac electrophysiology and monitor surveillance courses.

According to Kafka, tuition payments will remain the same for current students who finish their course either at SCOHS or at a partnering university or college. The college has offered master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing, as well as various associate degrees and certificates.

Kafka said the college will continue to offer and expand select specialty certificate programs designed to address critical workforce needs, but those decisions are still under consideration and will be announced later.

In a statement, Sentara said the transition is being carefully planned and that it is “fully committed to supporting SCOHS students, faculty, and staff throughout this process.”

In the Hampton Roads region, Tidewater Community College, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Peninsula Community College, ECPI and Regent University offer nursing programs.