Walters State, King University Partner On RN-to-BSN Agreement
December 19, 2024
Walters State, King Sign New RN-to-BSN Partnership
A new agreement between King University and Walters State Community College helps
streamline the admissions process and needed coursework for nursing students who want
to pursue a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) degree.
Under the agreement, Walters State students who have earned an associate of applied
science degree in nursing (AAS-N), passed the NCLEX, and obtained a registered nurse
license will have satisfied all requirements for admission to King’s RN-BSN program.
Those students will be classified as juniors who have satisfied all general education
requirements, except for Common Experience courses unique to King.
Candidates can then complete King’s RN-BSN program, including any remaining graduation
requirements, in three semesters instead of four.
“We’re always conscious of the time and resources it takes to pursue a degree, as
well as the ongoing need for skilled healthcare providers,” said Dr. Donna Fraysier,
dean of the School of Nursing at King. “Any time we can reduce cost for students,
increase their career opportunities, and provide highly skilled care providers to
the area workforce, we pursue those benefits on behalf of our students and region.”
For those who want to progress on to the master’s or doctoral level at King, the agreement
also expands access to specializations in acute care, gerontology, psychiatric mental
health care and more.
“This new partnership with King University will enhance opportunities for our nursing
graduates who wish to continue their education,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of
Walters State. “It provides a clear and more convenient path for our graduates to
reach the next level of nursing education. We are grateful to King University for
initiating this agreement and working with us for the benefit of our students living
in the region we mutually serve.”
King’s RN-BSN program is 100% online, helping working adults balance the demands of
work and family. Likewise, King’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs are
taught using a HyFlex format that allows students to arrange their own study schedules
while also having ready access to support from professors and mentors. Those in the
MSN and Registered Nurse to Doctor of Nursing Practice (RN-DNP) program have the opportunity
to sit for their nurse practitioner license.
Walters State’s nursing program was established in 1975 and has educated thousands
of registered nurses over the past 50 years. The program continually earns high pass
and placement rates, with many nurses offered jobs during clinical rotations. The
program is offered on the college’s Morristown Campus, Niswonger Campus in Greeneville
and Sevier County Campus. Students may begin in fall or spring semesters.
“When nursing students obtain their degree at Walters State, we encourage them to
further their education,” said Dr. Sheila Williams, dean of Health Programs at Walters
State. “This partnership provides the students this opportunity while entering the
workforce.”
The agreement is now in effect for all those nursing students who graduated from Walters
State during fall 2024 and have passed the NCLEX, as well as those registering at
Walters State for the spring semester 2025 and beyond.
More information on Walters State is available at www.ws.edu and additional information on King is available at www.king.edu.