OWENSBORO, Ky. — Owensboro Community & Technical College and regional high schools have partnered to allow students who know they want a career in nursing the option to utilize this “fast path” so they can enter the OCTC’s nursing program directly after graduation. Fast Path Nursing is structured for high school students looking to get a jump start on their future career. OCTC Fast Path Nursing is a set of classes that can be taken while still in high school to accelerate the path towards an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree. Taken as prescribed a student can graduate high school and complete their nursing degree within two years.
“This program is a great option for those motivated students who know what they want. This is the quickest and most cost-effective way to get them prepared, in the program, and ready to work. We are grateful that our school partners continue to allow us to innovate with more options that can meet the students where they are,” said Dr. Scott Williams, OCTC President.
The courses and requirements selected for the OCTC Fast Path Nurse are not the only general education courses students will take as they pursue an associate degree in nursing or any other associate degree. This track is only the outline to get them ready to enter the program, rather than spending a year or more, after high school graduation, getting those pre-requisite courses accomplished. Fast Path Nurse is only one way in which you can be accepted into the OCTC nursing program. If you do not meet the OCTC Fast Path requirements, you can still apply for admission to the OCTC nursing program after graduation.
Dr. Lori Donahoo, director of the nursing program added, “Not everyone knows what they want to do after high school graduation or wants to pull double duty as a high school AND college student, that’s why we have many options for students to select the one that best fits. For those students who know they want a nursing career this program is custom made to get you on the fastest path!”
Graduates will earn an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing degree. Just as in the traditional nursing program, graduates are prepared to apply and take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses. OCTC has an exceptional pass rate for students taking the test for the first time: 2020-92%, 2019-91%, 3-year average 89%. OCTC’s associate degree nursing program is approved by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
In order to qualify for Fast Path nursing students must be approved by their high school and have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Interested students should contact their guidance counselor and apply to OCTC as a dual credit student.
For more information, contact nancy.wilson@kctcs.edu.