Historically Black Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, has partnered with the South Carolina Technical College System to create a pathway for registered nurses (RNs) who have earned an associate’s degree from one of the 16 schools in the SCTC System to transfer to Claflin University’s RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Students who participate in the new pathway program will enter Claflin’s BSN program as juniors. Currently, Claflin is the only historically Black university in South Carolina that offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing. The new partnership with the SCTC System aims to increase the number of nursing graduates from minority and other underrepresented groups.
“This partnership is good for the entire state of South Carolina,” said Dr. Tim Hardee, president of the SCTC System. “What we are able to achieve at our 16 colleges throughout the state is to provide access and affordability that will enable students to begin their higher education journey. Our partnership with Claflin creates the next step for our students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree. We graduate approximately 1,100 nurses each year. This is an opportunity for our nursing graduates to continue their advancement in this field. We hope to contribute to producing better nurses and improve the quality of health care in the state of South Carolina.”