Austin Peay State University partners with TCAT Dickson for nursing pathway

Austin Peay State University and Tennessee College of Applied Technology Dickson have partnered for a seamless transfer pathway for LPN to RN. The agreement will allow students who graduate from TCAT Dickson with an associate degree in nursing to transfer to Austin Peay State University to enter into the bachelor of science in nursing program, bringing with them up to 27 credits toward their bachelor degree.

According to an article on Austin Peay State University's website, Dr. Mike Licari, the president of Austin Peay State University, is quoted as saying of the new agreement, “Partnering with TCAT Dickson, we are building a seamless bridge for working nurses to advance their education without leaving their communities. This LPN-to-BSN pathway reflects our shared commitment to access, excellence, and workforce readiness that empowers dedicated healthcare professionals to grow their skills, expand their impact, and help meet the evolving needs of our region. Your partner (APSU) has the best BSN program in the state, and we are very proud of that. The severe shortage of nurses we have in the state and in the country is not going away. This agreement will eventually help improve the quality of healthcare in the state.”

The new pathway will help individuals who become licensed practical nurses to continue on in their education and advance their careers to become registered nurses. Dr. Kristen Butler, who is an associate professor of nursing at the university, explained that in order to take the unprecedented 27 transfer credits, the university has accounted for the TCAT Dickson curriculum within its own courses. The university has also created an APSU LPN-to-BSN transition course. Students will be able to complete their bachelor degree within three years by following this transfer pathway instead of the traditional four years.

TCAT Dickson’s President Laura Travis said, “This historic articulation agreement with APSU creates an important pathway for our PN graduates. Many of our students plan to continue their education, and this partnership provides a seamless transition that helps remove barriers and expands opportunities for them to advance their careers and strengthen the healthcare workforce.”

The articulation agreement will take effect in the Fall 2027 semester. Students can begin taking prerequisite courses in Fall 2026. The first cohort of students in this articulation agreement can expect to graduate in Fall 2029.

For more information about Austin Peay State University, visit the school’s website.