Concurrent Enrollment Agreement Creates Faster Pathway to Bachelor’s Degree for Nursing Students

Somerset Community College nursing students can begin Lindsey Wilson bachelor’s degree early through new agreement

signing ceremony, Castle and Adams COLUMBIA, Ky. – Lindsey Wilson University and Somerset Community College are expanding opportunities for registered nurses to seamlessly continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The two schools took part in an agreement signing on Monday, May 11, to establish a pathway that will allow nursing students to enroll concurrently at both institutions.

Nursing students enrolled in the final semester of the associate degree in nursing at Somerset Community College may apply for admission to Lindsey Wilson University through the concurrent enrollment pathway. Eligible students will enroll in their first bachelor’s degree course, Transition to Professional Nursing Practice, at Lindsey Wilson. Credit hours earned in the course will apply toward a bachelor of science in nursing at Lindsey Wilson University.

“SCC's partnership with Lindsey Wilson University creates a seamless pathway for SCC nursing students to earn a four-year degree while helping meet Kentucky’s growing healthcare workforce needs,” said Dr. Carey Castle, president and CEO of Somerset Community College.

According to Tommie Saragas, Lindsey Wilson Assistant Vice President of Educational Outreach, the agreement is the first of its kind between the two schools, which have been partners in education for more than two decades.

“We are creating an early-acceptance bridge program for ADN students in their final semester at Somerset Community College,” said Saragas. “Through this partnership, nursing students can begin Lindsey Wilson coursework while completing their associate degree, allowing them to transition seamlessly into our online bachelor’s program without interrupting their education. It also gives students an opportunity to build relationships with Lindsey Wilson faculty, become familiar with our coursework and connect with their future cohort before fully entering the program.”

SCC LWU nurse signing Lindsey Wilson Director of Nursing Emiley Button says LWU’s nursing program is designed with the busy lifestyle of a working nurse in mind.

“The RN BSN transitional course is offered every fall and spring semester,” said Button. “That’s important because you will never have to sit out a semester. You can start regardless of when your final semester begins.”

Also notable, the RN BSN program is offered fully online and financial aid is available to qualifying students.

“Lindsey Wilson’s nursing program is taught by nurses who have real-world experience working in hospitals, doctor’s offices and nursing homes,” said Button. “We know how hard it is to work and go to school, and for many of us – manage a family. We kept that top of mind as we put this program together.”

Korey Bruck, Director of the University Center of Southern Kentucky, echoed the benefits of the agreement, noting the opportunities it will create for nursing students.

“This innovative agreement reflects our shared commitment to keeping highly skilled, compassionate nurses in southcentral Kentucky,” said Bruck, who oversees the transfer center. “We are excited to help our students accelerate through our program and get a jump-start into Lindsey Wilson. This is step one of many that I foresee moving forward. We are excited about this and thankful for the continued partnership with Lindsey Wilson University.”

Pictured, top: Somerset Community College President and CEO Carey Castle and Lindsey Wilson University Executive Vice President Dean Adams hold pennants from each other’s institutions as a symbol of the schools’ 24-year partnership in education. SCC and LWU signed an agreement on Monday allowing nursing students to begin Lindsey Wilson’s bachelor of science in nursing program during their final semester at SCC.

Pictured, bottom: Somerset Community College and Lindsey Wilson University announce the establishment of a concurrent enrollment agreement on Monday, May 11, to create a faster pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree for nursing students. Back row, from left: Somerset Community College Director of the University Center of Southern Kentucky and Transfer Coordinator Korey Bruck; Lindsey Wilson University Executive Vice President Dean Adams; SCC Provost Ron Meade; and SCC Dean of Health Sciences Corey Moore. Front row, from left: Lindsey Wilson University Assistant Professor of Nursing Kristen Branham;; LWU Director of Nursing Emiley Button; SCC Director of Nursing Ruth Martin; SCC Assistant Director of Nursing Tamara Eastham; and LWU Assistant Director of Nursing Angie Johnson.