Stacked Credentials Pathways: Accelerated LPN-BSN Program

Dr. Wendy Nehring, Dean of the College of Nursing, explained that the idea to establish a LPN-BSN Program came about after a statewide tour of all the Community Colleges and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) to promote the RN-BSN Program. Students said they wanted a LPN-BSN Program that is accessible and that they get through as quickly as possible. ETSU worked with THEC to develop a hybrid program with 23 hours of articulation credits that takes four semesters to complete. ETSU is currently the only public university in Tennessee to offer a LPN-BSN Program, Dr. Nehring said. The LPN-BSN Program started at three sites in fall 2018 and has quickly expanded to seven sites, with five additional sites planned across the state. Last summer, the program received 1,000 inquiries per week. In fall 2019, 94 students enrolled, which is close to the enrollment in the BSN Program on ETSU’s main campus. Spring 2020 enrollment is estimated to be just over 100 students. At this time, Dr. Nehring said the highest interest is coming from Crossville and Nashville, and students at the Memphis TCAT petitioned their President to offer the LPN-BSN Program. The state is experiencing a nursing shortage, especially in rural areas, so this program is one way TSU is working to meet workforce needs