Wright State and MVCTC sign agreement on LPN to BSN pathway

Signing the memorandum are, from left: Lynn Beaver, director of nursing at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center; Deborah Ulrich, interim dean of Wright State’s College of Nursing and Health; and Nick Weldy, superintendent and CEO of the Miami Valley Career Technology Center. (Photo by Erin Pence)

The Wright State University-Miami Valley College of Nursing and Health and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) have signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a pathway for MVCTC Adult Education LPN graduates to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Wright State.

“This alternative pathway speeds up the time it takes for an LPN to get their BSN,” said Deborah Ulrich, interim dean of the Wright State College of Nursing and Health. “We knew the Miami Valley Career Technology Center had a good LPN program and we are pleased to partner with them.”

Students who complete the MVCTC Practical Nursing Program, hold a current Ohio License for Practical Nursing, and meet prerequisite and entrance requirements are eligible to apply to Wright State’s BSN-Alternative Pre-Licensure Pathway. They can complete their BSN in as little as 20 months (five consecutive semesters).

“I truly appreciate the collaboration between Wright State’s Dean of Nursing Dr. Debbie Ulrich, and MVCTC’s Director of Nursing Lynn Beaver that has resulted in this agreement that will benefit our students,” said Nick Weldy, superintendent and CEO of MVCTC. “The pathway will also help students manage the cost of education, while adding crucial skills that are needed in healthcare settings.”

Both Beaver and Weldy have a special affinity for Wright State, having earned degrees there. Beaver earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Wright State, so is familiar with the nursing programs. Weldy is a two-time Wright State graduate, having earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Biological Sciences and a Master of Science in Teaching, Earth Science.

“There’s a huge need for skilled registered nurses in our community and nationwide,” Ulrich said. “This alternative pathway program builds on the solid nursing foundation that students gain from the adult education program at MVCTC and prepares them for many career options in health care.”

The first cohort of admitted students will begin nursing classes at Wright State in the fall of 2020 and can earn their BSN by the spring of 2022. The application deadline for the first cohort will be in May 2020.

“In our LPN program, students get a strong clinical background,” said Amy Leedy, MVCTC adult education supervisor. “Those clinical strengths will help propel them through Wright State’s program.”

The number of jobs available to registered nurses is growing much faster than average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bureau predicts a 15% job growth in this occupation through 2026.

MVCTC high school students can also benefit from the pathway as many students who complete the Pre-Nursing Program qualify for $1,600 due to scholarships and advanced placement in the program. Additionally, high school students can meet a number of Wright State’s prerequisite courses through the College Credit Plus Program, thus decreasing the cost of their degree even more.

MVCTC’s LPN graduates are known for their clinical and academic skills from both employers and higher education partners like Wright State.

Faculty and advisors at both schools can assist students with questions. For additional information, contact Beaver at lbeaver@mvctc.com or visit Wright State’s nursing website.

Information is also available at information sessions held the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at the MVCTC Adult Education Building, 6801 Hoke Rd. in Englewood.

The College of Nursing and Health is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.