In a continuing move toward establishing efficient pathways for nurses to advance their degrees and expertise Columbia State last spring established a track for LPNs to earn an Associates of Science in Nursing to enable LPNs to become RNs. That program enabled LPNs to attend classes one day each week for four semesters and then pick up the RN program requirements.

On November 16, 2012 the College signed an agreement with MTSU which establishes a pathway for Associate Degree RNs to earn their BSN while staying home in either Franklin or Columbia.

The agreement was negotiated by the nursing faculty from both schools and is endorsed by Maury Regional Health Systems which will partner to offer clinical training opportunities.

Dr. Kae Fleming, Dean of Columbia State's Health Sciences Division said, "The Associate degree RN is workforce ready when he or she graduates. Many of these nurses have a goal of earning a BS degree and this agreement will help achieve this educational dream at in-state tuition rates with no commute."