Cumberland University’s Jeanette C. Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions announced a new program designed to increase educational opportunities for working healthcare professionals, specifically Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
The LPN to BSN’s flexible, hybrid learning style fits a professional’s work schedule and meets students where they are. Courses are offered in a way that only one day a week needs to be requested as time away from work. Uniquely, Cumberland’s program places the LPN in nursing courses along with needed prerequisite classes from semester one, ensuring that LPN to BSN students feel engaged with the Rudy School from the beginning of their studies. Cumberland takes into account knowledge gained from students’ LPN programs, awarding credit for demonstrated competency in previously taken subjects. A student enrolling with all prerequisites completed could graduate with their bachelor’s degree in as little as 4 semesters.
The Dean of the Rudy School, Dr. Mary Bess Griffith, has spearheaded nursing growth at Cumberland and throughout Middle Tennessee since she arrived at the university in 2018.
“Oftentimes, nurses refrain from enhancing their education due to their challenging work schedules. Our new LPN to BSN program is a great opportunity for licensed nurses to continue their education and strengthen their skills while balancing their work schedules,” said Dean Griffith. “Nurses who take advantage of this opportunity will not only add to their credentials, but also add to the quality of healthcare in Middle Tennessee. It will also lead to an increase in the number of registered nurses in the region, which is critical for Cumberland to provide for the greater community.”
The Rudy School of Nursing and Health Professions is home to nine programs of study taught by experienced health professionals and designed to prepare students to provide excellent and compassionate care. The Rudy School’s reputation for excellence leads graduates to have 100% job placement for students seeking employment in their discipline, as well as many opportunities to serve in some of the best healthcare facilities and sports facilities throughout Middle Tennessee and the nation. For two consecutive years, Cumberland far surpassed both the state and national average pass rate on the RN National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Cumberland University is currently accepting applications for the inaugural Fall 2023 semester, admitting an exclusive 24-student cohort. Students must apply to the university first before following the next steps outlined on the website at https://www.cumberland.edu/programs/lpn-to-bsn/.