Abbey News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Belmont, N.C. (January 19, 2023) – Belmont Abbey College celebrates the first semester of the new RN-BSN and Master of Science in Nursing Leadership programs. As these degrees launch, Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to announce an additional layer to its partnership with CaroMont Health. Nine CaroMont Health employees receive full tuition to join the inaugural cohorts, with four participating in the RN-BSN program and five enrolling in the Master of Science in Nursing Leadership (MSN) program. Belmont Abbey, CaroMont Health, and the CaroMont Health Foundation are joining together to cover tuition for these nine students. 

These programs, along with the BSN that launched in the fall of 2022, will help local nurses and healthcare professionals achieve the next step in their education and ultimately, their careers. “These nine students will take courses that advance their current capabilities,” said Dr. Carolyn Harmon, Dean of Nursing at Belmont  Abbey. “The RN-BSN program aims to advance the knowledge of practicing RNs and improves patient outcomes by expanding each nurses’ current skillset. With the MSN in Leadership, we’re honored to help aspiring nursing leaders develop the knowledge and skills needed to fulfill their calling.” 

This announcement follows CaroMont Health’s ongoing construction of a new hospital, CaroMont Regional  Medical Center-Belmont, on land leased to the healthcare organization by the Belmont Abbey Monastery. The development and location of the hospital will offer a unique opportunity to support Belmont Abbey College’s healthcare-related programs through experiential learning opportunities.  

Belmont Abbey College and CaroMont Health are long-standing organizations in the Gaston County community that have sought to invest and improve the lives of local citizens. Belmont Abbey College is thrilled to work with CaroMont Health and to have such a well-respected, conscientious partner that values exceptional healthcare. 

“Bringing together two remarkable and storied institutions, the partnership between CaroMont Health, a leading healthcare provider, and Belmont Abbey College, a leading institution of higher education, is a game changer for the region,” said Dr. Bill Thierfelder, President of Belmont Abbey College. “This partnership puts quality  education within reach for aspiring healthcare professionals who want to deepen their commitment to the  profession.” 

CaroMont Health’s Chief Executive Officer and President echoed similar sentiment and thanked Belmont  Abbey for their generosity. 

“Providing these nine CaroMont Health nurses the financial support to advance their careers with a top-tier education is extremely generous,” said Peek. “It is another demonstration of Belmont Abbey’s commitment to  our shared values of care and compassion and we cannot thank them enough.” 

For information on Belmont Abbey College’s Healthcare education programs, please visit the website. For press inquiries, contact Rolando Rivas at rolandorivas@bac.edu.  

For information on CaroMont Health, visit the website. For press inquiries, contact Meghan Berney at  meghan.berney@caromontheatlh.org.

Download the press release.