Embarking on a nursing career offers numerous pathways for professional growth and specialization. A well-structured Career Mobility Program serves as a cornerstone for aspiring nurses looking to advance their qualifications and expand their impact in healthcare. These programs are specifically designed to provide flexible educational routes, accommodating different entry points and career goals within the nursing profession. For individuals aiming to enter or advance in nursing, understanding the benefits and structure of a career mobility program is crucial for navigating their educational journey and achieving their professional aspirations.
A prime example of such an initiative is the Academic/Career Mobility Program in nursing, which presents a streamlined educational framework with distinct exit points tailored to launch careers as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). This program operates within a comprehensive framework meticulously crafted to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in nursing roles. The overarching aim is to cultivate nurses who are adept at enhancing patient well-being, exercising sound clinical judgment, continuously fostering their professional identity, and embracing a spirit of inquiry to drive improvements in patient care quality.
The curriculum is thoughtfully designed, embedding core components vital to contemporary nursing practice. These encompass context and environment of care, a robust foundation in knowledge and science, personal and professional development, a commitment to quality and safety protocols, the principles of relationship-centered care, and effective teamwork strategies. These fundamental elements are systematically introduced, progressively developed, and reinforced throughout the program’s duration. Notably, the curriculum establishes clear parameters that align with the distinct scopes of practice for both PNs and RNs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their respective roles. Structured around a well-defined organizing framework, the program adopts a competency-based approach to nursing education, utilizing interactive and student-focused learning methodologies to optimize student engagement and skill acquisition. The content and performance-based outcomes for each nursing course are carefully selected, developed, and progressively leveled from foundational to advanced concepts, facilitating a gradual and comprehensive learning experience.
Students enrolled in this career mobility program benefit from a tiered educational structure. Successful completion of the first year culminates in a diploma, making graduates eligible to apply for licensure as practical nurses. Progressing to the second year and successfully completing it leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing, qualifying graduates to pursue licensure as registered nurses. This dual exit point system offers flexibility and allows students to enter the workforce at different stages of their career journey, while also providing a clear pathway for continued education and advancement.
Admission into this competitive Nursing Program is based on a selective process, ensuring that admitted candidates meet both college and program-specific requirements. For Licensed Practical Nurses seeking to further their education, the program offers an accelerated pathway. LPNs who have recently graduated (within one year of program admission) or those with at least one year of recent practical experience (within the past three years) and hold a current, unrestricted LPN license are eligible to apply for advanced placement into the associate degree level, subject to the selective admission process.
Maintaining satisfactory academic progress within the Nursing Program is essential for continued enrollment. Students are required to achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all biological science, nursing, and mathematics courses, alongside maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Successfully finishing the nursing program also fulfills the digital literacy requirement set by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), ensuring graduates are equipped with essential technological skills for modern healthcare environments.
It is important to note that the Kentucky Board of Nursing has the authority to deny nursing graduates admission to the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX Exam) under specific circumstances. A prior misdemeanor or felony conviction involving actions directly related to a graduate’s fitness to practice nursing may be grounds for denial. Prospective students should be aware of these regulations and consider their individual circumstances.
The Nursing Program at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College is currently seeking initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Having achieved candidacy status as of September 11, 2024, with candidacy expiring on September 11, 2026, the program’s commitment to quality and adherence to national standards is evident.
For further inquiries or to verify the program’s accreditation status, please contact:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 975-5000
https://www.acenursing.org/search-programs?status=Candidate
Note: Upon successful attainment of initial accreditation from the ACEN Board of Commissioners, the official accreditation date will be retroactive to the program’s ACEN candidacy approval date, underscoring the continuous evaluation and quality assurance throughout the accreditation process.
