Partnership with Akron Children's offers ADN students 100% prepaid tuition, fees for uniforms, books and supplies.

Akron Children’s and The University of Akron have partnered to offer a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree (ADN) through Akron Children’s Career Launch Program.

Akron Children’s Career Launch Program is a workforce development program designed to fill in-demand health care positions and help applicants advance their careers.

The ADN program was made possible by a $1.5 million investment, with contributions from Akron Children’s Hospital, and through generous donors including the James H. Hower Career Launch Endowed Fund, and the KeyBank Foundation. The program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Ohio Board of Nursing, with approval pending from the Higher Learning Commission.

Upon acceptance to the program, students will be offered 100% prepaid tuition, fees for uniforms, books and supplies. Students will also receive wraparound support for childcare, mileage and other barriers to ensure success.  

Prospective students must apply to both The University of Akron and Akron Children’s Career Launch Program to receive benefits.

Applications for the Career Launch Program can be submitted via www.akronchildrens.org/adn. University of Akron applications can be submitted via www.uakron.edu/adn.

This partnership provides students with a cost-effective path to becoming an RN,” said Chris Young, chief nursing officer at Akron Children’s. “Everyone deserves equal treatment and access to higher education. This collaboration will help eliminate barriers to nursing education by offering a way for students to enter the workforce quicker than a traditional four-year degree, and providing them with specialized training in pediatric care, equipping them with the skills they need to excel in caring for children.”

Students can attend classroom lectures at regional University of Akron campuses in Akron or Medina. Labs and clinicals will be offered in and around Akron and Medina. Students can attend the program on a part-time or full-time basis.

ADN graduates will work at Akron Children’s to fulfill a work commitment.

"Our partnership with Akron Children's Hospital represents a remarkable opportunity to curtail the nursing shortage by adding 60 registered nurses over two years, addressing a critical workforce need in our area. We are deeply grateful to the hospital for investing in the University of Akron School of Nursing and trusting us to equip their future employees with the skills needed to deliver exceptional care. Together, we are not only launching the careers of 60 future nurses but also strengthening the health care forecast in our region," said Dr. Timothy Meyers, executive director of UA’s School of Nursing

The program begins in January 2025. The priority deadline to apply is Nov. 15. Program pre-requisites and requirements as well as curriculum guides can be found at www.uakron.edu/adn.

Media Contacts:

• Casey Newman, Akron Children’s; cnewman@akronchildrens.org
• Cristine Boyd, University of Akron; cboyd@uakron.edu