Kentucky State University and Jefferson Community and Technical College form RN-to-BSN partnership

Kentucky State University and Jefferson Community and Technical College have come together to offer students a pathway to earn their bachelor of science in nursing degree as part of their RN-to-BSN partnership. Jefferson Community and Technical College students who meet eligibility requirements will be enrolled at KSU and begin taking courses on campus at JCTC.

According to an article on Kentucky State University's website, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, the president of Kentucky State University, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “This is a remarkable opportunity to empower our future nurses and offer them an affordable, high-quality education closer to home. We want to ensure that we are not only creating pathways, but that we are also providing the academic support and financial aid to ensure students are successful as they embark on those pathways.”

The partnership will give JCTC students the option to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree from KSU while on JCTC’s downtown Jefferson campus. Students will have access to in-person assistance, the college’s nursing labs, and various student support services.

Additionally, Kentucky State University has the Jefferson-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship, which is a renewable last-dollar scholarship that provides a tuition-free bachelor degree for students who are transferring to KSU from JCTC. The scholarship is available for students who are Pell-eligible, enrolled in a full-time bachelor degree program, submit a FAFSA, and submit a scholarship application.

Dr. Ty Handy, the president of Jefferson Community and Technical College, said of the partnership, “This partnership with Kentucky State University is a positive step forward toward expanding opportunities for our nursing students. By offering a clear, supportive pathway to a BSN—right here on our campus—we’re removing barriers and making it easier for students to advance their education and careers. We value our collaborative partnership with KSU and look forward to more opportunities in the future.”

Shari Kretzschmer, who serves as UofL Health’s Chief Nursing Officer, applauded the new partnership and the importance of advanced nursing education. She said, “The BSN degree opens so many doors and career advancement possibilities for nurses. At UofL Health, and in health care systems across the state, nurses with BSN’s are recognized and rewarded as experts in their field. I applaud Jefferson and KSU for collaborating on this partnership to reduce barriers so more nurses can advance their careers.” 

For more information about Jefferson Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.

For more information about Kentucky State University, visit the school’s website.