Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College and Boone Career and Technical Center have established a collaborative partnership designed to create a pathway for practical nursing graduates to advance their education and pursue registered nursing careers.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the two institutions will work together to support eligible graduates of Boone Career and Technical Center’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Practical Nursing Program as they transition into Southern’s Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program through an articulated Licensed Practical Nurse-to-Registered Nurse (LPN-to-RN) pathway.
The partnership reflects both institutions’ commitment to expanding access to quality nursing education, strengthening regional workforce development, and helping students advance their careers in healthcare.
“By working together, we can help create a clearer pathway for practical nursing graduates who want to continue their education and advance to registered nursing,” said Elizabeth Manuel, Interim President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. “This partnership strengthens our collaboration with Boone Career and Technical Center and supports the development of a skilled healthcare workforce to serve Southern West Virginia.”
Under the agreement, eligible graduates of Boone Career and Technical Center’s Practical Nursing Program may apply for admission to Southern’s ADN Program through the LPN-to-RN pathway. Students must meet all admission standards, academic requirements, and clinical criteria established by Southern.
Southern will provide advising and support for students entering the pathway while maintaining the accreditation and quality standards of its ADN Program. Boone Career and Technical Center will provide updated curriculum information as needed, ensure students understand Southern’s admission requirements, and support their preparation for continued nursing education.
The agreement was signed by Elizabeth Manuel, Interim President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College; Jacob Messer, Ed.D., Principal/Director of Boone Career and Technical Center; and Steve Gaines, Assistant Superintendent of Boone County Schools.
The MOU takes effect upon the signatures of all parties and will remain in effect for five years, with provisions allowing either institution to request revisions or terminate the agreement with 90 days’ written notice.
Through partnerships such as this, Southern continues to strengthen educational pathways that help students build on their existing training, pursue advanced credentials, and prepare for in-demand careers throughout the region.