Laurel College of Technology, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, announced a new collaboration with West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon. This partnership allows graduates of Laurel’s 20-month Associate Degree of Nursing program to expand their education through an RN to Master of Science in Nursing opportunity.
Eligible Laurel graduates who pass the NCLEX and obtain credentials as Registered Nurses through the West Virginia RN Board can apply for enrollment in WVWC’s Master of Science in Nursing program. WVWC will accept eight eligible students each year who meet predetermined criteria after an individualized review for potential graduate admission.
Laurel’s Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) is a 71-credit program spanning five semesters. It prepares graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) for registered nurses and to begin careers as nursing practitioners. In June 2024, Laurel received initial accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Public information about accreditation is disclosed by the ACEN on its website.
Laurel has designed its courses to instill an awareness of the value and dignity of people, viewing patients as integrated, unique individuals requiring nursing knowledge and skills. The program and simulation center reflect Laurel’s commitment to preparing exceptional, job-ready professionals to address the increasing need for qualified nurses.
“Our program, and the students in it, are held to rigorous expectations for the safety of future patients and the care our students will provide the community,” said Doug Decker, Ph.D., Executive Vice President of Laurel Institutes. “We’re excited to see this pathway open up for our graduates. This agreement creates an additional entry point for students who want to expand their career and professional training and complete a master’s degree.”
West Virginia Wesleyan College offers various graduate programs in nursing. Students can choose between Master of Science in Nursing programs specializing in Nursing Leadership or the Family Nurse Practitioner. The school also offers Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwifery options in collaboration with Shenandoah University. For the past two years, the college has offered an RN to MSN program, allowing nurses with an associate degree in nursing to complete bridge coursework and then enroll directly in the MSN program.
Coursework for the graduate programs in the School of Nursing at West Virginia Wesleyan College is offered in a hybrid format, including online, asynchronous, and limited on-campus residency experiences.
“Our college is dedicated to providing flexible and accessible continuing education opportunities for nurses at all career stages,” said Dr. Lynn M. Linder, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to cultivate a highly skilled health care workforce for West Virginia. We’re thrilled to offer programs that accommodate the demanding schedules of working nurses while advancing their professional development.”
