Aiken Technical College (Aiken Tech) has partnered with Grand Canyon University (GCU) to offer students enrolled in Aiken Tech’s Associate in Applied Science Nursing (ADN; RN) degree program a unique pathway to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) in a shorter period.

“This is our first signing in South Carolina for the Concurrent Enrollment Program,” said GCU University Development Manager Jason Tantrum, MSL , adding that Aiken Tech was eligible for this opportunity due to its nursing graduates’ success on the National Council Licensure Examination. “The significance is that not everyone qualifies…you guys are one of three to qualify here in South Carolina, and you were the first to sign this Concurrent Enrollment Program. So we're excited about that.”

The RN-BSN concurrent enrollment pathway will allow students to begin earning credits toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing following their first semester of the ADN program. Participants will then continue to take GCU courses during their summer and winter breaks through graduating from Aiken Tech with their Associate in Applied Science Nursing degree. (See the attached sample course sequence.)

Participants will then continue coursework with GCU to complete their bachelor’s degree program within nine months after graduating from Aiken Tech.

“We firmly believe in providing our students with a strong foundation, a strong skill set, and a knowledge base that will allow them to transition into the surrounding workforce seamlessly. …We're extremely excited about it as it will set Aiken Technical College apart from others, as well as give our students the opportunity to go out and obtain their dreams and their goals and help meet the needs of our surrounding communities,” said Hannah Williams, DNP, dean of Aiken Tech’s School of Nursing.