South Georgia Tech’s new LPN to RN bridge program enrolls 40 students in inaugural semester

AMERICUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Forty licensed practical nurses have begun their journey to becoming registered nurses in South Georgia Technical College’s first semester of offering a new LPN to RN bridge program.

The college says the 40 new cohorts were selected out of a pool of 125 applicants.

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WRBL News 3 previously covered the college’s new program that was approved at the May meeting of the Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON). The program comes at a time where many hospitals and medical facilities are facing nursing shortages.

“It is something that we’ve gained a lot of support for from the community,” said President of SGTC, Dr. John Watford. “Our medical professionals are excited about this opportunity because they need the nurses.”

In an orientation address to the incoming class, Dr. Watford expressed his excitement for the new recruits.

“You are making history today,” Dr. Watford said. “For each of you that was accepted into this very first class, there were over two other people who applied to be part of this initial class. We are pleased to be able to offer this new program at South Georgia Technical College and I look forward to seeing each of you walk across the stage in a year to receive your degree.”

Officials with SGTC say the school has been offering it’s licensed practical nursing program since 1953 and can now offer a career advancing degree to those on the Americus campus.