The recent signing of an MOU between AUCON and six local community colleges marks a significant advancement in nursing education and workforce development. The participating community colleges—Southern Union State Community College, Calhoun Community College, Coastal Alabama Community College, Jefferson State Community College, Northeast Alabama Community College, and Central Alabama Community College—will work collaboratively with AUCON to offer an efficient pathway for students to earn both an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
“With this initiative in place, it will allow concurrent enrollment where students will be able to enroll in an ADN program at their respective community college and the online BSN program at Auburn University simultaneously,” said Dr. Caralise Hunt, associate dean for academic affairs.
“The first online concurrent cohort was offered in 2020,” said Wendy Franklin, RN-BSN advisor. “We currently have 143 students enrolled in the program. All AU classes are asynchronous and 100% online. Required clinical experiences can be completed with preceptors in students’ own communities.”
According to Franklin, the RN to BSN has two tracks available. The 1st Semester Start requires students to begin the BSN program in the first semester of the ADN program and complete their BSN in 6 semesters. This track requires concurrent enrollment in courses at both the community college and Auburn University each semester. The 4th Semester Start requires students to begin the BSN program in the fourth semester of the ADN program and finish their BSN in 7 semesters, also with concurrent enrollment in courses at both institutions.
The MOU facilitates a smooth transition for students from community college to AUCON, ensuring that their credits and coursework align effectively between the institutions. The program's online format allows for greater flexibility, accommodating students’ schedules and making education more accessible.
By streamlining the educational pathway, this initiative aims to bolster the healthcare workforce with more qualified nurses, directly benefiting the local and national healthcare systems.
This partnership aligns with Auburn University’s land-grant mission, which emphasizes improving lives through accessible, forward-thinking education and community service. The MOU supports this mission by making nursing education more accessible and ensuring that more students can achieve baccalaureate degrees in nursing.
“The agreement fosters a collaborative relationship between AUCON and the community colleges, enhancing educational opportunities and supporting student success in the nursing field.
“Overall, this initiative represents a positive step towards improving nursing education and meeting the growing demands of the healthcare industry, reflecting both a commitment to educational excellence and community service,” Hunt added.
