Dr. Carol Hrusovsky, program director for the ADN program at Kent State University-East Liverpool Campus, signs an articulation pathway agreement with Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing in Salem on Wednesday that provides opportunities for graduates to transition into the university’s East Liverpool nursing program. Also signing the agreement in front of students and staff, from left, Kent State University Columbiana County Campuses Dean Dr. David Dees, HEMSPN director Christina Devlin and Nate Ritchey, vice president for Kent State System Integration. (Salem News photo by Kevin Howell)

SALEM–Officials from Kent State University and Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing Wednesday signed an articulation pathway agreement that provides opportunities for graduates of the Salem nursing school to transition into the East Liverpool campus’s nursing program.

The partnership is designed to be a bridge from the HEMSPN’s licensed practical nurse program to the Kent State East Liverpool’s associate degree in nursing program, from which students graduate as registered nurses.

“Kent State and Hannah Mullins developed an academic pathway for the LPN graduates to flow into our ADN program,” explained Dr. Carol Hrusovsky, program director for the ADN program at Kent State East Liverpool. “Many of the LPN graduates at Hannah Mullins have been searching for a bridge to an RN program. Hannah Mullins wanted to join Kent State as partners so its LPN graduates have a smooth academic pathway to becoming an RN.”

Christina Devlin, director of the HEMSPN, expressed appreciation for the formation of a working partnership with Kent State, noting that the students are the ultimate benefactors.

“The creation of a bridge between HEMSPN and Kent State allows our students a clear pathway from LPN to RN,” she said. “A large majority of our students plan to return to school, but are not sure how to proceed. This agreement will make the process easier for them to do that. Future students will be able to attend classes at HEMSPN knowing that they can move smoothly into RN school.”

Through this agreement, a qualified HEMSPN graduate, who is preparing for the national nursing exam, may enroll at Kent State and begin taking the core requirements. Once licensed as an LPN, the graduate may apply to the ADN program at Kent State East Liverpool.

LPNs who graduated from the HEMSPN program, and hold unrestricted certifications or licenses, may be admitted to the second year of the ADN program, if all other academic requirements are met.

Dr. David Dees, dean of the Kent State Columbiana County campuses, noted that this milestone is the result of a collaboration between the two educational institutions, led by individuals who are focused on students.

“This relationship is a perfect example of how great partners, working together, can create the right educational pathway to help students find their purpose in life,” he said. “I applaud all those who worked so hard to make this happen.”

While this specific agreement serves as a pathway from the LPN program to the RN program, it also serves as a ladder to other advanced nursing degrees at Kent State and solid careers.

“Today, in the community we serve, students are juggling jobs, family responsibilities and are incurring debt with student loans,” noted Hrusovsky. “I am excited to have this academic partnership with HEMSPN that builds a bridge for their graduates to become RNs.

After obtaining an associate degree and becoming RNs, moving onto degrees, such as the bachelor’s degree in nursing at Kent State , will lead them to possible leadership positions and prepare them for the evolving, complex healthcare environment.”

Kent State University at East Liverpool offers a two-year associate degree in nursing program that prepares student for the register nurse profession. Graduates of the accredited program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

The Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing offers a full- and part-time program that prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Located in the Kent State City Center Building in downtown Salem, the school operates under the auspices of the Salem City Schools Board of Education.