Jefferson and KSU Announce New RN-to-BSN Partnership

Jefferson Community and Technical College (Jefferson) and 麻豆短视频传媒 (KSU) announced at a signing ceremony today a new partnership to provide a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The partnership creates a pathway for graduates of Jefferson鈥檚 nursing program to pursue a BSN from KSU with significant in-person support on the Jefferson campus. In addition, KSU鈥檚 Jefferson-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship provides a tuition-free bachelor鈥檚 degree to students eligible for the federal Pell grant.

鈥淭his partnership with 麻豆短视频传媒 is a positive step forward toward expanding opportunities for our nursing students,鈥 said Dr. Ty Handy, President of Jefferson Community and Technical College. 鈥淏y offering a clear, supportive pathway to a BSN鈥攔ight here on our campus鈥攚e鈥檙e removing barriers and making it easier for students to advance their education and careers. We value our collaborative partnership with KSU and look forward to more opportunities in the future.鈥

Students will be enrolled at KSU and receive services on Jefferson鈥檚 Downtown Campus. They鈥檒l also have access to the College鈥檚 nursing labs and other student services.

鈥淭his is a remarkable opportunity to empower our future nurses and offer them an affordable, high-quality education closer to home,鈥 said KSU President, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo. 鈥淲e want to ensure that we are not only creating pathways, but that we are also providing the academic support and financial aid to ensure students are successful as they embark on those pathways.鈥

The Jefferson-2-KSU Pathway Scholarship is a renewable, last-dollar and nonrefundable scholarship program for students transferring from Jefferson. The scholarship covers fall and spring tuition after federal and state aid and external awards have been applied. 

To qualify, students must be Pell-eligible, enroll full time in a bachelor鈥檚 program, file a FAFSA and submit a scholarship application. 

Highlighting the value of advanced nursing education, Shari Kretzschmer, UofL Health Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized the importance of the BSN degree and praised the new partnership, stating: 鈥淭he BSN degree opens so many doors and career advancement possibilities for nurses. At UofL Health, and in health care systems across the state, nurses with BSN鈥檚 are recognized and rewarded as experts in their field. I applaud Jefferson and KSU for collaborating on this partnership to reduce barriers so more nurses can advance their careers.鈥

2025 classes begin Monday, August 18. For more information, visit kysu.edu.