GSC, LCHS Partnership Opens Doors for Future Nurses
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
The first cohort of dual enrollment (DE) students from Lamar County High School will begin their journey as pre-nursing students at Gordon State College at the start of the fall 2024 semester in August, following an articulation agreement that guarantees up to five students admission to GSC’s Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) program.
“This is an excellent opportunity for high school students who aspire to be nurses. Currently, our capacity for the ASN and BSN programs is limited, so we are excited to offer this pathway to ensure dedicated students have a clear route to admission,” said Dr. Samantha H. Bishop, GSC director of nursing and health sciences.
This partnership began in spring 2022 to allow high school students pursuing a career in nursing to dual enroll in GSC’s DE2BSN pathway during their junior and senior years. Dual-enrolled participants received a course map detailing when to take courses and the GPA they must maintain. If participants meet all requirements outlined in the memorandum of understanding, five students will receive automatic admission to GSC's BSN program for fall 2025.
To be eligible for the pathway, LCHS dual enrollment students must meet several criteria, including completing at least one LCHS Healthcare Pathway course, submitting a Letter of Intent to participate by the first week of September of their junior year, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all dual-enrollment courses, and completing a nursing application and admission test during the BSN program application period.
After graduating from LCHS, the dual-enrolled participant will be assigned a nursing advisor. The student will then follow the required courses outlined in the DE2BSN pathway and work with their advisor to ensure they continue to meet all program requirements.
To learn more about the DE2BSN pathway and other opportunities that can advance your career path forward, visit www.gordonstate.edu.