Calhoun Community College and Athens State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a new fast-track BSN program that will allow students to receive their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree simultaneously. In addition to better serving students, the program’s benefits will extend to the consumers of healthcare and professional nursing workforce across the nation.
Students completing the program will be enrolled in nursing courses concurrently at both institutions and will graduate from both Calhoun with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Athens State with a Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in separate ceremonies with separate diplomas.
“The Fast-Track BSN is an excellent option for motivated nursing students at Calhoun Community College,” said Dr. Mark Reynolds, Chief Nurse Administrator at Athens State. “This option provides both a time and cost-saving for the nurse to gain additional skills and expertise along with the ability to move into advanced-practice education expeditiously. The collaborative efforts between both institutions indicates a commitment to the region to produce quality Registered Nurses who are prepared to provide quality patient care.”
“Our community and nation needs highly trained nurses now more than ever,” said Dr. Dave Ragsdale, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Athens State. “This partnership between Calhoun and Athens State responds to that demand by delivering more nurses to the workforce as well as enhanced patient care to our healthcare systems during this critical time.”
The fast-track BSN program will launch in Fall 2023. Athens State also offers an RN to BSN degree program which provides a pathway for success to registered nurses already working in their field to complete their baccalaureate degree in nursing. For more information, please visit www.athens.edu/BSN.