Partnership opens a clear route from Burman’s Health Sciences program into SWAU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing

KEENE, Texas — Southwestern Adventist University is pleased to announce a new partnership with Burman University in Alberta, Canada, that creates a direct academic pathway for students preparing to enter the nursing profession.

Established through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding, the agreement creates a seamless transition for students who complete Burman University’s Certificate in Health Sciences and wish to continue into Southwestern Adventist University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Rather than leaving students to piece together the next step on their own, the partnership provides a defined route into SWAU’s nursing program and offers a sense of direction from the outset. The new pathway reflects a shared commitment to student support, academic collaboration, and strong preparation for the healthcare field.

Under the agreement, Burman University students who complete the Certificate in Health Sciences and meet SWAU’s nursing admission standards will receive automatic admission into the BSN program. To qualify, students must hold a cumulative college GPA of 3.0 or higher, earn a score of proficient or higher on the TEAS nursing admission exam, successfully complete prerequisite coursework with grades of C or higher, and meet all Southwestern Adventist University admission requirements.

One of the strongest features of the agreement is the attention it gives to the student experience placing emphasis on student transition and readiness. In addition to formalizing the academic pathway, the agreement provides Burman students with access to undergraduate advising, financial aid guidance, and academic planning resources before and during enrollment at Southwestern. Faculty and staff from both institutions may also collaborate on student advising, information sessions, and outreach efforts designed to help students move confidently from one institution to the next.

The pathway also strengthens affordability. Students who complete Burman’s Certificate in Health Sciences and meet SWAU’s BSN admission criteria will receive an automatic 25% tuition discount, and students who meet general admission requirements remain eligible for Southwestern Adventist University merit and general scholarships.

For Southwestern Adventist University, this new agreement represents an important investment in the future of undergraduate nursing education. It creates a more direct route for students already engaged in health sciences preparation, builds a clearer bridge into nursing study, removes some of the uncertainty that can come with entering a professional program, and it supports the university’s commitment to developing well-prepared nurses equipped for service and leadership in healthcare.

The agreement remains in effect for five years and may be renewed by mutual written agreement.

Students interested in learning more about Southwestern Adventist University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program may visit https://swau.edu/academics/nursing-department or contact Dr. Kerrie Kimbrow, Nursing Dept. Chair, kkimbrow@swau.edu, (817) 202-6736