Brenau University and Athens Technical College signed two agreements to help associate degree graduates pursue bachelor’s degrees at Brenau.
Associate of Science in Nursing graduates can transition seamlessly into Brenau’s BSN program, while Associate of Science in health information management technology graduates can easily continue to Brenau’s Bachelor of Business Administration in healthcare management.
The goal of the new academic agreements between the two institutions is to support student success while addressing the state’s ongoing healthcare workforce shortages. Brenau also signed an ASN to BSN agreement with Lanier Tech earlier this spring.
“I am thankful for the leadership of President Andrea Daniel and her faculty for joining Brenau University in creating new pathways that provide Georgians opportunities to secure educational credentials leading to advancement in their careers,” Brenau President David L. Barnett, Ph.D., said. “Because of her leadership, our recent articulation agreement with Athens Technical College provides an accelerated program for their ASN graduates to earn a BSN degree at a reduced cost in less time than normally required. I commend her for her leadership in shepherding this new agreement with Brenau through its completion.”
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.
“We are proud to announce a strategic partnership with Brenau University, a collaboration that underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing educational opportunities. This alliance will significantly benefit our students and the broader community,” Athens Tech President Andrea D. Daniel, DBA, said. “Strategic partnerships such as this are essential to fulfilling our shared mission of fostering innovation, growth, and student success.”
The agreements include flexible options common to Brenau programs that make pursuing a degree more approachable for working professionals.
“Brenau is excited about this new partnership that provides an efficient pathway for registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees,” James C. Eck, Ph.D., Brenau’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, said. “The partnership between Athens Technical College and Brenau University ensures that students have a strong foundation in nursing, and are equipped for leadership roles within myriad healthcare settings.”
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.
“This new agreement is an important step in giving our students more opportunities. It creates clear paths from our associate degree in nursing to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from health information management technology to a Bachelor of Business Administration in health management,” Kristen Douglas, Ed.D., Athens Tech vice president for academic affairs, said. “By doing this, we are making it easier for students to move forward in their careers. Our graduates can use the practical skills they gain here and continue their education with confidence. In the end, this will help make the healthcare workforce in our region even stronger.”
