Bermuda College is the only degree granting educational institution in Bermuda. There are no nursing programs based in Bermuda. Resultantly, of the nearly 800 nurses in Bermuda, approximately 60 percent are expatriates who are recruited from around the world. The global nursing shortage, therefore, has influenced the recruitment of nurses to Bermuda.

"Hampton University is proud to play a role in healthcare for the citizens of Bermuda by educating baccalaureate prepared nurses," said Dr. Pamela V. Hammond, dean and professor, Hampton University School of Nursing. "This agreement provides an educational venue for Bermudians to have increased career options and it provides an opportunity for Hampton's nursing students and faculty to broaden their international perspectives."

Additionally, Bermuda College signed an agreement with the Bermuda Hospital Board to collaborate in the offering of courses at the hospital facilities and in providing financial assistance for those students who pledge to return to Bermuda to work in nursing after graduation.

"This is an exciting opportunity which will allow the people of Bermuda to have better access to a nursing degree," said Dr. Larita J Alford, vice president, Academic and Student Affairs at Bermuda College. Alford said that over 70 students came to an information session about the program and since then they have gotten about 30 additional inquiries. Interested students are currently being advised and are enrolled in prerequisite classes. Hampton expects their first class of 10 transfer students from Bermuda College in fall 2003.

The HU School of Nursing is the oldest continuous nursing baccalaureate program in Virginia. The first master's and doctoral programs in nursing at a historically black college or university were started at Hampton University. The School is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing, and is fully accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

For additional information, please contact: Yuri R. Rodgers at (757) 727-5253 or via email: yuri.milligan@hamptonu.edu