Deaconess College of Nursing Announces Name Change; New ''Chamberlain College of Nursing'' plans future growth, expansion

School officials announced the new name today, saying it marks thefounding of a new era at an institution with a long legacy of qualityand professionalism. By providing nursing education programs thatfeature both a broad educational foundation and extensive clinicalpractice component, Chamberlain will fulfill its commitment to preparecompassionate and clinically proficient nurses, as well as to fosterpersonal growth, career mobility, community service and leadershipamong healthcare professionals.

As Chamberlain College of Nursing, the school will also beexpanding its online Bachelor of Science and Nursing (BSN) degreecompletion program for registered nurses. This flexible RN-to-BSNonline degree completion program supports the professional growth ofregistered nurses across the country by providing them the opportunityto earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing in as few as 12months. This program allows nursing students to complete theircoursework online while fulfilling complementary clinical practicerequirements at healthcare institutions in their local areas.

In addition to expanding access to its online programs,Chamberlain will explore opportunities to broaden its geographicfootprint nationwide such as the possibility of offering campus-basedprograms in other markets. Chamberlain has taken the first step towardgeographic expansion by applying for approval to offer its nursingprograms in the state of Ohio. Expansion of Chamberlain's on-campusand online programs will help communities respond to the critical andgrowing shortage of nurses that will intensify as baby boomers age andthe need for health care grows.

"We are thrilled to begin a new era of nursing education under theChamberlain name," said Susan Groenwald, president of ChamberlainCollege of Nursing. "Though the name has changed, Chamberlain willcontinue Deaconess' strong tradition of academic quality, integrityand professionalism by offering students a curriculum thatincorporates broad general education and extensive clinical practice."

DeVry Inc. purchased Deaconess from Tenant Health Systems in March2005. A term of the purchase agreement is that DeVry's use of theDeaconess name will expire as of September 30, 2006, thus requiring anew name. The new name Chamberlain exemplifies the strength and solid,historical foundation of Deaconess, while positioning the school forfuture growth. Derived from the Middle English word chaumberlein,which means "chief steward," the name also alludes to the criticalrole of the nurse as the central steward and coordinator of patientcare, said Groenwald.

The federal government estimates that more than one million newand replacement nurses will be needed by 2012. And for the first time,the U.S. Department of Labor has identified Registered Nursing as thetop occupation in terms of job growth through the year 2012. Yet thecapacity to educate and train new nurses is lacking: more than 15,000students were turned away from U.S. nursing schools last year due to alack of space.

Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Chamberlain College of Nursing isaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North CentralAssociation, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commissionand the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. For moreinformation about Chamberlain College of Nursing, visit its web siteat www.chamberlain.edu.