DAYTON — WGU Ohio has awarded the Kettering Health Network Scholarship to Kelly-Robyne Fitzpatrick, an RN in endoscopy at KHN. This $2,500 scholarship, combined with WGU's surprisingly low tuition, minimizes the financial burden for associates going back to school.

WGU Ohio is a state affiliate of online, accredited and nonprofit Western Governors University. WGU’s model offers bachelor’s or master’s degrees through a unique, competency-based approach to education. Competency-based learning is a good fit for adult learners, who enroll in college with different levels of knowledge as well as a wide variety of learning styles, because it allows them to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they need to learn – saving them time and money.

Fitzpatrick is working toward her Master’s of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management.

“My parents told me they always knew I would go into the medical field in some way,” Fitzpatrick said. “Nursing became my true passion or calling in my adult years. ... Currently, I am looking forward to not only to increase my education, but to go to higher places within the field of nursing. I have not only gained a career with in nursing, I have found my drive and passion to take care of people -- not only patients, but family and people that I meet every day.”

The university offers more than 60 majors in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. The partnership will assist in the KHN-established goal that their nursing staff complete a bachelor of nursing degree within five years of employment, when required.