Eligible graduates of Lanier Technical College’s Associate of Science in Nursing degree soon will be able to seamlessly transfer credits into Brenau’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program through the university’s RN-to-BSN pathway.
The goal of a new academic agreement between the two institutions is to support student success while addressing the state’s ongoing nursing shortage.
“We are excited to work once again with Lanier Tech to offer this workforce opportunity for students and healthcare providers who are experiencing critical shortages in nursing staff,” Brenau President David L. Barnett said. “The agreement is yet another way that Brenau is working to support students and the communities in which we live, work and learn.”
Georgia is projected to have the second-highest nursing shortage in the nation over the next decade, with a forecast deficit of 21% in the RN workforce, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. A rapidly aging population is driving increased demand for healthcare professionals; the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the number of Americans aged 65 and older will exceed 82 million in 2050, accounting for nearly a quarter of the population.
“Lanier Technical College is thankful for this impactful partnership with Dr. Barnett and Brenau University that allows our ASN graduates a local pathway for further career growth,” Lanier Tech President Tim McDonald said. “As higher education institutes, we not only owe our students every opportunity possible for career development, but we also must support the needs of the robust healthcare sector in Northeast Georgia. This milestone agreement gives our graduates and our healthcare systems a competitive advantage as the demand for a talented healthcare workforce continues to grow. Collaboration is a hallmark of our community, and I am grateful to add this agreement to our partnership with Brenau University.”
The agreement includes flexible options common to Brenau programs that make pursuing a degree more approachable for working professionals. The RN-to-BSN program in the Mary Inez Grindle School of Nursing offers both full-time and part-time options, with courses typically offered online except for required clinical experiences. This agreement allows credit for demonstrated professional competencies, reducing the time required to complete the degree.
While a bachelor’s degree in nursing is not required to earn RN licensure, the healthcare industry increasingly is seeking RNs with a BSN to fill leadership roles. Additionally, a 2021 study published in Nursing Outlook found that when hospitals hire more nurses with BSNs, fewer patients die after surgery.
“As more nurses retire from the profession, hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices and other providers seek RNs who have the additional expertise and leadership ability provided through a bachelor’s degree program,” James C. Eck, Ph.D., Brenau’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, said. “I would like to commend Laura Hart, Ed.D., MSN, RN, who is our undergraduate chair of nursing at Brenau. She worked very hard on the details to ensure that this program provides the best possible outcomes for students and their future patients.”
Under the agreement, both institutions will provide academic advising to help students navigate the transition, and will periodically collaborate to ensure programs remain aligned with industry standards.
The agreement is the newest of several between Brenau and area technical colleges; other programs include healthcare management, interior design and multiple business degree programs.
