Columbia State Awarded $2M Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant for LPNs and Paramedics Who Want to Become RNs
Columbia State Community College has been awarded a $2 million Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. The “Rural RNs Rise (R3): Growing Caregivers” project focuses on creating clear educational pathways to high-demand healthcare careers, including implementation of a new paramedic-to-RN pathway, changes to the college's existing LPN-to-RN option and strategic attention to growing the EMS pipeline.
The R3 project also aims to address critical healthcare workforce shortages across southern Middle Tennessee.
The grant includes funds for an LPN/Paramedic-to-RN pathway coordinator and a success navigator to provide participants with wrap-around services and access to resources.
LPNs and paramedics with credit for the appropriate pre-requisite general education courses can apply for pathway admission. Upon completion of the summer transition courses, students merge into the third semester of the traditional, in-person nursing program in the fall and can graduate the following May with an Associate of Applied Science degree in nursing, NCLEX-RN eligible.
“We are thrilled to offer paramedics and LPNs the chance to expand their skill set and educational horizons through this new pathway,” said Greg Johnson, Columbia State EMS program director and assistant professor. “It's a tremendous opportunity for career growth and a vital step in strengthening the entire healthcare system in Middle Tennessee.”
The new pathway helps address the shortage in registered nurses, on a local and national level, while also providing career advancement opportunities for working LPNs and paramedics.
“What an exciting time here at Columbia State to be able to provide a new pathway for LPNs and paramedics to enter the nursing practice as RNs,” said Dr. Loretta Bond, Columbia State nursing program director. “This pathway will serve as a vital solution to address critical nursing shortages!”
“Receipt of the R3 grant provided the college with funds to develop and implement an opportunity for LPNs and paramedics — many who are former Columbia State students — to care for and about patients in new ways!” said Dr. Kae Fleming, Columbia State dean of the Health Sciences Division.
For updates regarding application deadlines and admission criteria for this new pathway, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/Nursing.
Paramedics and LPNs who are interested in this new opportunity have time to take the remaining pre-requisite courses in the Spring semester. College application information is available here: www.ColumbiaState.edu/Admissions.
Candidates may request academic guidance and assistance by email at NursingApp@columbiastate.edu.
For more information on the Rural Health Care Pathways Expansion Grant, click here.