William Carey University School of Nursing is making it easier for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Mississippi to become Registered Nurses (RNs) – while continuing to work at their current jobs.
The existing LPN Advanced Placement (LPN AP) program, which gives LPNs some advantages when applying to the bachelor’s degree nursing program, will be offered in a hybrid format beginning in fall 2023 with required pre-nursing courses taught in summer 2023.
What do students need? WCU developed the LPN AP program based on feedback from the medical community. Many LPNs who want to return to school to pursue RN licensure have been unable to do so because of work and family obligations. WCU’s new program is currently limited to LPNs who are licensed in Mississippi but offers more flexibility, including full-time and part-time study plans, to allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
“Mississippi has a large population of excellent LPNs who want opportunities for career advancement. Giving them an accessible way to complete their bachelor’s degrees and RN licensure opens doors for them to earn higher incomes for their families and provide better patient care,” said Dr. Alicia Newell, dean of the WCU School of Nursing.
Admission to both the traditional LPN AP program and the new hybrid program is based on GPA and possession of an unencumbered PN license – with no admission exams required. Both programs allow LPNs to earn college credit in selected courses based their current knowledge of the course topics.
Making instruction accessibleHowever, students across the state can take advantage of the new delivery method. The hybrid program will allow students to participate in theory classes taught using synchronous and asynchronous lectures and assignments. Clinical experiences, which require the direct supervision of a registered nurse, will be offered in various locations across the state based on enrollment and will include simulations and in-person patient care.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to address the nursing shortage. This new program means we can make our excellent nursing program accessible in other areas of the state. We believe helping our existing LPN workforce enhance their education, and provide them with career mobility, is the best way we can help nursing in our state,” said Dr. Janet Williams, vice president of WCU’s College of Health Sciences.
Other high points: Starting in fall 2023, WCU will increase the award amounts of undergraduate scholarships by an average of 40 percent. This includes current and transfer students. WCU will also provide free textbooks to all undergraduate students starting in fall 2023. Finally, nursing students who already have bachelor’s degrees may apply for a “Second Degree Scholarship.”
For more information, email
nursinglpn-ap@wmcarey.edu.
In the photo:Nursing students Ebony Core of Hattiesburg, Soledad Diaz of Pontotoc, and Teawanna Fishenden of Brandon work together in a simulation lab at WCU’s College of Health Sciences.
