Beginning in fall 2026, McDaniel’s Nursing students will have access to Carroll Hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities at The Kahlert Foundation Nursing Education Center.
Inherent in our pursuit of academic excellence and innovation is transforming health care education in our region through the development of new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.), Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (M.S.O.T.), and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (M.S. in S-LP) programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that the growth in these three careers between 2024 and 2034 would range from 5% to 15%, so to support that workforce demand, McDaniel aims to make a lasting impact on the community’s health and well-being.
The success of these programs depends not only on hiring top-tier faculty but also a commitment to hands-on, practical learning housed in modern facilities that are equipped with simulation laboratories, state-of-the-art technology, and classrooms designed specifically for health care education to create an immersive learning environment that mirrors the rigors and realities of the health care field. Rather than spending tens of millions of dollars on new construction to house these new academic programs, the college is proud to use existing resources and partnerships to maximize our return on investment.
By 2026, the B.S.N. program will be officially based out of Carroll Hospital in The Kahlert Foundation Nursing Education Center, thanks to a landmark partnership between the college and LifeBridge Health and a $2.5 million grant from The Kahlert Foundation. “While there are numerous examples of medical systems that are affiliated with large universities, it is unique for a college to partner with an existing system in this way,” said President Julia Jasken at the announcement of the partnership last October. “We are eager to create a new model designed to create a long-term solution to address the critical need for nurses.”
McDaniel’s Nursing students will have access to Carroll Hospital’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Kahlert Foundation Simulation Center, and be provided early and frequent exposure to clinical work within a hospital setting.
Here on the Hill, construction has begun on renovations in Merritt Hall, which will be the new home of the OT, S-LP, and Early Childhood Education programs. The space will be fitted with new simulation labs, classrooms, and even a mock apartment for OT students to learn how to set up patients for independent living.
While there are numerous examples of medical systems that are affiliated with large universities, it is unique for a college to partner with an existing system in this way. We are eager to create a new model designed to create a long-term solution to address the critical need for nurses.“
PRESIDENT JULIA JASKEN