SCTC Gets Greenlight to Expand Highly Successful RN Bridge Program to Butts and Jasper Counties

Date Posted: November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024 – Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) proudly announces the Georgia Board of Nursing’s approval to expand its acclaimed LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program to SCTC locations in Butts and Jasper Counties, broadening educational access to aspiring nurses in rural Georgia.

The strategic expansion of the RN Bridge program will increase the availability of nursing education to the Butts and Jasper communities, offering 25 seats at each location.  The program will have a competitive application process scheduled from June 1-30, 2025, for an August 2025 start. This milestone is a testament to SCTC’s commitment to workforce development and marks the successful culmination of our goal to bring the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program to all six SCTC campus locations.

SCTC began the current LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program in January of 2024.  The LPN/Paramedic to RN bridge program is designed to accommodate professionals with at least one year of field experience. It offers a streamlined path for these dedicated healthcare practitioners to elevate their careers by becoming registered nurses. The program consists of three semesters, enabling participants to complete their RN education in just one year.

As demand for skilled nurses continues to rise statewide, SCTC is dedicated to addressing this need by growing its nursing programs. Designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Paramedics seeking to advance to Registered Nurse (RN) status, the Bridge program enables healthcare professionals to upskill and meet licensure requirements, benefiting both students and the communities they serve. The expansion to Butts and Jasper Counties has been made possible by a $3.95 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which supports SCTC’s efforts to bring essential healthcare training to underserved areas, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible across Georgia.

“The decision by the Georgia Board of Nursing to approve Southern Crescent Technical College’s Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program at our Butts and Jasper centers marks a significant step forward in expanding educational access to this high-demand field,” said Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College. By establishing this program at additional locations, SCTC is creating critical opportunities for students within our eight-county service area to pursue nursing careers locally, directly addressing the need for qualified healthcare professionals. This approval not only supports students who are passionate about nursing but also strengthens our regional hospital systems by cultivating a skilled workforce that meets the healthcare needs of our communities.”

The expansion highlights SCTC’s dedication to providing high-demand programs that support local economies by training professionals to serve their communities. SCTC’s LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program has seen remarkable success in existing locations, helping students achieve the knowledge and skills required to excel in healthcare roles. This program builds on SCTC’s commitment to bring relevant, high-quality educational opportunities directly to students in the regions they call home.

SCTC’s commitment to expanding high-demand programs like the LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program is clear. We are dedicated to building a robust healthcare workforce that meets the needs of Georgia’s rural and underserved communities. With the ASN program now offered at every SCTC campus, we are well-positioned to continue producing skilled graduates ready to make an impact.

For more information about the LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge program, including admission requirements and key dates, please visit our Program Catalog.