Bossier Parish Community College’s LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship Program has received permanent approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, marking a significant milestone for the program and its role in supporting Louisiana’s nursing workforce. The LSBN unanimously approved BPCC’s request during its Aug. 27 meeting, transitioning the LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship from pilot status to a permanent, board-approved program.
BPCC launched the apprenticeship as a pilot following board approval in February 2023. The program provides licensed practical nurses with a pathway to advance their education toward becoming registered nurses while connecting nursing education with workforce experience. Through partnerships with healthcare employers, working LPNs are able to continue their education and advance their careers while helping address nursing workforce needs across Louisiana.
“This approval is a tremendous accomplishment for BPCC, our healthcare partners and the students we serve,” said Rick Bateman Jr., Chancellor of Bossier Parish Community College. “The innovative model creates a flexible pathway for working LPNs to advance their careers while helping address Louisiana’s growing demand for registered nurses. We are grateful to the Board of Nursing for its confidence in this program and proud of the impact it is making on our region’s health care workforce.”
Since its launch, multiple cohorts have completed the apprenticeship, providing BPCC and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing with outcomes demonstrating the viability of the model. Permanent approval allows BPCC to build on the pilot program’s success and continue developing partnerships with health care employers to support students and strengthen the nursing workforce.
“Our LPN students bring valuable clinical experience to the classroom, and this apprenticeship allows them to build on that experience while earning their RN credentials and continuing to serve their communities,” said Michael Whitaker, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health. “We are grateful for our health care partners and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing for helping us demonstrate what is possible when education and workforce development work together.”
Willis-Knighton Health has been a key employer partner in the apprenticeship, supporting opportunities for LPNs to advance their education while continuing to build their careers in the health care workforce.
“The permanent approval of the BPCC LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship Program by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing allows LPNs to advance their careers to become RNs while continuing to be employed and provide for their families,” said Willis Knighton Health Senior Vice President of Nursing and PM&R Renee’ McCuller, RN, MSN, CENP, FNP-BC(R). “Willis Knighton Health is proud to have partnered with BPCC during the pilot and witness several LPNs achieve their RN licensure. This program addresses the growing need for more registered nurses in our community. We will continue to support this apprenticeship program, which will have a lasting impact on our workforce.”
The transition from pilot status to permanent approval establishes the LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship as an ongoing pathway within BPCC’s nursing programs and positions the College to continue expanding opportunities for LPNs seeking career advancement while responding to the workforce needs of health care employers.
For more information about nursing programs at Bossier Parish Community College, visit bpcc.edu/NAH.