West Virginia Wesleyan College forms agreement with Laurel College to create nursing pathway

West Virginia Wesleyan College will soon be opening its doors to eight new students per year who have graduated from Laurel College and want to continue their nursing education through West Virginia Wesleyan College’s RN to Master of Science in Nursing program thanks to an agreement signed by both institutions.

According to an article on West Virginia Wesleyan College’s website, Dr. Lynn M. Linder, who serves as the college’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, shared her enthusiasm for the agreement and what it will do to benefit the students and the region’s healthcare system. She is quoted as saying, “Our College is dedicated to providing flexible and accessible continuing education opportunities for nurses at all career stages. This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to cultivate a highly skilled health care workforce for West Virginia. We’re thrilled to offer programs that accommodate the demanding schedules of working nurses while advancing their professional development.”

In order to be eligible for the transfer to West Virginia Wesleyan College, students must have obtained their associate degree via Laurel College’s 20-month nursing program. Students must also have passed the NCLEX and have obtained their Registered Nurse credentials for West Virginia. Having met those criteria, individuals may apply for West Virginia Wesleyan College’s RN to Master of Nursing program. Eight students per year from Laurel College will be accepted into the program.

Speaking of the type of preparation its students receive during Laurel College’s associate of nursing program, the Executive Vice President of Laurel Institutes Doug Decker, Ph. D. was quoted as saying, “Our program, and the students in it, are held to rigorous expectations for the safety of future patients and the care our students will provide the community. We’re excited to see this pathway open up for our graduates. This agreement creates an additional entry point for students who want to expand on their career and professional training and complete a master’s degree.”

West Virginia Wesleyan College has offered its Master of Science in Nursing program for two years. The program includes the bridge coursework students need to get from an associate degree to a master’s degree. The school offers a number of different nursing pathways, including specializations in Nursing Leadership or Family Nurse Practitioner. 

For more information about West Virginia Wesleyan College, visit the school’s website.