New Educational Opportunity for Local Nurses: WVU and BridgeValley Launch RN-to-BSN Pathway

West Virginia University School of Nursing and BridgeValley Community and Technical College have formed a partnership to help nursing students more easily advance their education. They have introduced a 3-1 pathway program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) after completing an associate degree. Students first earn a two-year associate degree at BridgeValley, then pass the NCLEX licensure exam to become registered nurses (RNs). They continue with the first year of the WVU Nursing RN to BSN program at BridgeValley and complete their final year online at WVU.

The program aims to meet the educational needs of students in central and southern West Virginia by providing an affordable way to obtain a BSN. Dr. Tara Hulsey, Dean of the WVU School of Nursing, noted that higher education for nurses leads to better patient outcomes, more career opportunities, and higher earnings. The program also prepares nurses for leadership roles and further graduate studies.

Kent Wilson, Dean of Nursing and Emergency Services at BridgeValley, emphasized the program's commitment to affordability. It allows students to pay community and technical college tuition rates for three of the four years needed to complete the BSN.

The BSN curriculum at WVU includes courses on evidence-based practice, ethics, healthcare policy, and community health. These courses are essential for providing comprehensive patient care in various settings. Dr. Brad Phillips from WVU mentioned that the curriculum enhances nurses' abilities to provide safe care in diverse environments.

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