New nursing partnership expands training and workforce pathways

HealthEducation

Feb 19

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital are launching a new partnership to provide nursing students with expanded clinical training opportunities, tuition assistance, and direct workforce pathways in rehabilitative care. The agreement will support students in Cornerstone’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and is scheduled to begin in fall 2026.

According to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, roughly 8% of the state’s nursing workforce remained unfilled in 2025. Predictions from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services indicate that the shortage could increase to nearly 19% over the next decade.

Through the agreement, participating Cornerstone University nursing students will be able to apply for tuition assistance offered by Mary Free Bed, gain additional clinical placements in its nationally recognized rehabilitation hospital, and pursue full-time nursing roles after completing the BSN program and passing the NCLEX-RN, consistent with the terms of the partnership.

“We are pleased to welcome Mary Free Bed as a partner in Cornerstone University’s nursing program,” said Dr. Misty Emmons, Chief Nursing Administrator and Director of Nursing. “Mary Free Bed’s approach to rehabilitative care provides our BSN students with a distinctive clinical setting where academic learning is applied through complex, team-based practice and wholehearted patient care.”

Mary Free Bed is widely recognized for its leadership in rehabilitation and its patient-centered model across inpatient, outpatient, and specialized services.

“We’re excited to support Cornerstone nursing students as they develop into the next generation of compassionate caregivers,” said Maria Opoku‑Agyeman, Mary Free Bed Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Inpatient Services. “Together, we’re strengthening the nursing workforce and helping more people find hope and freedom through rehabilitation.”

Cornerstone’s BSN program combines comprehensive academics with simulation and supervised clinical experiences. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, communication, and clinical decision-making within a Christ-centered framework. The university’s 2024 and 2025 nursing cohorts achieved a 100% NCLEX-RN pass rate.

“Preparing nurses of strong character and professional excellence is central to Cornerstone University’s academic mission,” said Dr. Kevin S. Hall, Vice President for Academics and Spiritual Formation. “As workforce needs continue to grow, our partnership with Mary Free Bed allows us to educate nurses with the preparation and support needed to serve patients and communities where high-performing clinical care expertise matters most.”

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