Idaho State University and Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, have partnered to support rural communities by providing an opportunity for students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work without leaving their local area. The expansion of ISU’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program to Oregon will provide a pathway to meet the growing demand for trained social workers in rural areas where mental health services are critically needed.
“As the leading institution in Idaho for health care education, ISU is committed to expanding our reach to neighboring states to meet critical health care needs through strategic and collaborative partnerships,” ISU President Robert Wagner said. “We are proud to add Umpqua Community College, a leader in health professions education in Oregon, as a partner in meeting the workforce needs of our area.”
Through this collaboration, ISU designates seats in its fully accredited online BASW program for qualified UCC students, allowing them to transition seamlessly from their associate degree to a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing the BASW, students also have the option to apply for ISU’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, further equipping them for advanced practice in clinical social work and mental health services.
As part of this agreement, students will receive specialized advice to ensure a smooth transition from UCC to ISU, and may apply for scholarships that cover tuition, books, and learning materials made possible through a grant from the City of Roseburg and the State of Oregon.
“As the largest provider of behavioral health service in southwest Oregon, Adapt is acutely aware of the urgent need to address the behavioral health workforce shortage in our area," said Dr. Greg Brigham, CEO of Adapt Integrated Health Care. "This new education and health care collaboration is an important step forward in providing a professional career path that addresses the vital shortage of licensed behavioral health professionals in our community.”
This partnership reflects ISU’s ongoing commitment to serving rural areas by addressing critical shortages in the mental health workforce, and UCC’s development of a strong educational infrastructure that addresses critical gaps in local health care positions while providing valuable career opportunities for students. Rural communities across Idaho and Oregon face similar and significant challenges in accessing mental health care, and ISU’s social work graduates will play a pivotal role in providing these essential services.