Murray State College and DRH Health have partnered to expand and offer Murray State’s top nursing program to students in the Duncan, Oklahoma, area.

This partnership will provide opportunities for qualified students to earn their nursing degree from Murray State. Murray State and DRH Health will work together to provide additional nursing education opportunities and increased access to the local and surrounding communities in which the hospital serves.

“Our nursing staff is the backbone of our organization,” said Jay Johnson, DRH Health President and CEO. “We are in greater need to bring in more who want to work and live in the rural area.” Currently, DRH Health has approximately 250 Registered Nurses on staff and see the need for at least 50 more.

This partnership is working together to bring much needed healthcare education to rural Oklahoma. For students, this opens new opportunities and possibilities for them to live and work in the same community. In fact, 16 students are already enrolled in the program, which will start this fall.

“Today is when the work begins,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “Creating careers, lifestyles, place and identity at DRH Health. We will do whatever it takes to be good at this part. I know that this will help students who want to stay in rural Oklahoma and join nursing professions.”

Last fall, Murray State and their career tech partner, Southern Tech, signed a similar agreement that guaranteed access for their paramedic and LPN graduates into Murray State’s RN Career Mobility program. This program is ranked #1 in the nation, according to registerednurse.org. Qualified students have advanced standing into the program.

Simply put, this partnership makes the best possible level of healthcare for Duncan, Stephens County and all of the surrounding rural areas possible.