ALEXANDER CITY, Ala. – Central Alabama Community College (CACC) has announced a new partnership with Auburn University’s College of Nursing. This collaborative agreement, formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will allow students enrolled in CACC’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program to concurrently enroll in Auburn’s RN to BSN program.
This seamless integration ensures that students can work towards their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while completing their ADN, setting them up for greater success and more career opportunities upon graduation.
“This partnership represents a tremendous opportunity for our nursing students. By allowing them to work towards both degrees at the same time, we are helping them gain a competitive edge in the healthcare field,” said Jeff Lynn, President of Central Alabama Community College. “We are committed to providing our students with pathways to success, and this program will ensure they are well-prepared to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry.”
Under the new agreement, students admitted to CACC’s ADN program can concurrently enroll in Auburn University’s RN to BSN program. This process includes joint advising from both institutions, ensuring students are supported throughout their academic journey. The program is designed to promote flexibility and convenience, with coursework from Auburn integrated into the student’s schedule at CACC.
Dr. Jennifer Steele Gilliland, Director of Health Programs at CACC, expressed her excitement for the partnership, stating, “This concurrent enrollment program aligns perfectly with our mission to offer exceptional educational opportunities to our students. We’re excited to collaborate with Auburn University to provide a pathway for students to advance their nursing education in a way that fits their needs and schedules.”
Auburn University is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. Wendy Franklin, RN-BSN Advisor and Program Manager at Auburn’s College of Nursing emphasized the program’s potential impact on healthcare in the state. “Auburn Nursing is excited to partner with CACC Nursing to provide the opportunity for ADN students to obtain a BSN at the same time. Our mission is to educate outstanding nurses who will give compassionate and patient-centered care to Alabama citizens and promote global health,” said Franklin.
The program benefits students academically and addresses the increasing demand for highly educated nurses in Alabama and beyond. With the need for more complex healthcare services, nurses with BSN degrees are in higher demand than ever before.
The concurrent RN to BSN program begins with students enrolling in CACC’s ADN program and concurrently taking courses through Auburn University. Students will benefit from Auburn’s comprehensive academic and student services, including career counseling and access to Auburn’s online library resources.
Upon completion, students will hold both an Associate Degree in Nursing from CACC and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Auburn University.
For more information about the concurrent enrollment program or to apply, please visit the Central Alabama Community College website or contact the CACC Nursing Department.