Elizabethtown Community and Technical College creates nursing pathway with Kentucky State University

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has partnered with Kentucky State University to establish a nursing pathway that will allow ECTC nursing graduates to continue their nursing education at Kentucky State University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. It was also announced that there will be a specific scholarship for students who pursue this educational pathway, called the ECTC-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship, that provides free tuition for eligible students.

According to an article on Elizabethtown Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Juston Pate, the president of ECTC, was quoted as saying of the new pathway, “The RN-to-BSN pathway with Kentucky State University is a great opportunity to continue supporting ECTC nursing graduates as they advance their educations and careers. Not only does this partnership increase affordability, access and resources for BSN students, it develops a critical future workforce for our region.”

The pathway necessitates that students who have earned an associate degree in nursing from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College go on to enroll at Kentucky State University to continue working toward their bachelor degree. While they will be Kentucky State University students, they will still be located on the ECTC campus and therefore will have access to support from ECTC, as well as access to labs and student services. This opportunity arises via the ECTC Robbins University Center, which gives students the ability to pursue bachelor and master’s degrees on campus at Elizabethtown Community and Technical College.

Speaking of the pathway, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, the president of Kentucky State University, shared, “We are very excited to embark on this new partnership with ECTC to train the next generation of nurses to serve the Commonwealth. Creating a pathway for ECTC nursing graduates to seamlessly transfer into KSU’s BSN program is only just the beginning.” 

In addition to the ability to earn a bachelor degree on campus, the partnership includes the establishment of the ECTC-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship. In order to be eligible for this scholarship, which is a renewable, last-dollar scholarship and will cover the rest of tuition that isn’t covered by other scholarships or grants, students must be Pell-eligible, file a FAFSA, submit an application, and enroll in at least six credits each semester.

Robert Ramey, who serves as the CEO of Baptist Health Hardin, was quoted as saying of the partnership and the doors it will open, “This partnership between ECTC and KSU is a transformative step for our community. Not only does it create a pathway for more nursing students to achieve their BSN, but it directly addresses a critical need for healthcare professionals that is growing along with our rapidly expanding population. By making higher education more accessible and affordable, we empower our students to succeed and encourage them to use their education and skills while serving our local communities.”

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

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