East Central University is now offering a pathway for licensed LPNs to become an RN by earning a Bachelor of Science through the School of Nursing.
鈥淭his is a way LPNs can get credit for their licensure through the School of Nursing,鈥� said Darcy Duncan, director of the School of Nursing, 鈥渟o this is not a new concentration,鈥�
The pathway is possible through agreements between five technology centers and 成人B站. Those five technology centers are Mid-America Technology Center in Wayne, Southern Technology Center in Ardmore, Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada, Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee, and Wes Watkins Technology Center in Wetumka.
An LPN, or licensed practical nurse, provides basic patient care. The license is usually obtained through a technology center.
To become a registered nurse, or an RN, students can obtain an associate鈥檚 degree at a state college, or a bachelor鈥檚 degree at a 4-year university, such as 成人B站. Duncan said the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is now being required to become a charge nurse or earn promotions.
LPNs that earned their license at one of these five technology centers can get credit for certain classes required at 成人B站鈥檚 Nursing program.
鈥淪tudents still have to meet criteria to be admitted to the University and the Nursing program, but can get credit for courses they鈥檝e already taken at the technology centers,鈥� Duncan said. An example would be the student could get credit for Intro to Professional Nursing, Foundations in Nursing and Physical Assessment if they already have the LPN license.
鈥淓ach student will be evaluated as they come in from the technology centers,鈥� Duncan said.
Students with an LPN from these technology centers listed that wish to obtain a BSN at 成人B站 must apply and be admitted to 成人B站, and apply to the Nursing Program. Once the student receives the acceptance letter, Duncan said they would receive the next steps.
鈥淭his is an exciting opportunity for 成人B站 and the various technology centers,鈥� Duncan said.
Currently, the application cycle for the Spring 2024 semester is open and applications being accepted until Sept. 1. The Fall 2024 applications will open Oct. 1.
For more information, visit ecok.edu/lpnpathways or ecok.edu/nursing.