The Rural Frontier Delivery (RFD ) Program began in 1992. The program was developed to provide baccalaurreate-level nursing education to place-bound students living in rural "frontier" counties. The first group of students graduated in 1995. A total of 45 students have earned their Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from OHSU through the RFD program. Currently there are 31 students enrolled in the program.

Heather Holliday, RN
RFD Program Graduate
Pictured here at the Grant County Health Department

The RFD program extends academic course work to students who live in remote areas of eastern Oregon, giving place-bound students in Baker City, Burns, Enterprise, John Day, Ontario and Pendleton the opportunity to complete their Bachelor of Science degree while residing in their own small communities. The Rural Frontier Delivery Program (RFD) is offered using distance learning modalities and forming partnerships with local health care hospitals and agencies. Students have the opportunity to realize their career goal of becoming professional nurses without leaving their frontier community and most remain in their remote communities to practice following graduation.

Non-nursing courses are offered through Eastern Oregon University's Division of Distance Education. Nursing theory courses are delivered to rural sites and taught by nursing faculty at Eastern via IP video, videotape and computer conferencing. Nursing clinical courses are available in each rural community.

For a list of admission requirements please click here.

RFD Student Comments

"The first time I got on-line, I was connected to the world. What it means to me to be able to stay home in Bates and receive an OHSU degree is incredible. It's a very good education, a high quality education."

Erin Workman, Bates, Oregon
mother of twin daughters, ages 12 and a son, 15

"And a physiology professor sent me a calf brain to dissect at home. I must have done all right. I got an "A" in the course." "I couldn't do it unless they had this program. . .I'd have to drive to La Grande five days a week. I couldn't do that while trying to raise a family and hold down a job, too."

Marie Gorbett, Lostine, Oregon
mother of 3 children

For more information please call or e-mail:

Jan Glasby-Peters,RN, MN, FNP
RFD Coordinator
(541) 962-3342
jglasby@eou.edu

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Last Updated:  7/19/2005