NATCHITOCHES, La. — Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health has been awarded $2.6 million over four years through the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention – Workforce Expansion Program.
The project, titled “Pathways to ASN: Strengthening the RN Workforce in Louisiana,” will run from 2025 to 2029 and is designed to expand the pipeline of registered nurses by creating new opportunities for associate degree graduates in allied health fields to transition into nursing.
The initiative establishes a Transition to Associate of Science in Nursing concentration that will accept 10 students each spring and summer semester beginning in 2026. Eligible applicants include graduates of programs such as respiratory therapy, occupational therapy assistant, pharmacy technician, physical therapy assistant, and veterinary technician.
Students in the concentration will complete 80 additional clinical hours in acute and long-term care settings, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. The program includes stipends, mentoring support, preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam, and job placement assistance in Louisiana’s healthcare workforce.
Ms. Emily Horton will serve as project director and Ms. Lisa Wilhite, ASN program director, will serve as co-project director. Willis Knighton Health will be the primary clinical partner, providing hands-on training opportunities.
“This grant enables us to further address the critical shortage of nurses in our state, offering allied health and associate degree graduates the opportunity to become registered nurses,” said Renee’ McCuller, senior vice president of nursing at Willis Knighton Health. “We are honored to partner with NSU in this effort and look forward to welcoming the first cohort of students in the spring semester.”
“This grant represents a tremendous opportunity for both our students and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Aimee Badeaux, dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. “By creating this transition pathway, NSU will expand the supply of registered nurses while also supporting upward mobility for allied health graduates who want to advance their careers.”
Ms. Tiffany Chasteen, director of grants and planning, said the funding reflects the innovation of NSU’s nursing faculty and staff and will strengthen the state’s nursing workforce while opening new career pathways.
The College of Nursing and School of Allied Health operates campuses in Natchitoches, Alexandria, Shreveport, and Leesville/Ft. Johnson, many of which serve rural or medically underserved areas. The grant supports the university’s mission to prepare practice-ready nurses who serve vulnerable populations.
More information on the program is available at the NSU website.