Bossier Parish Community College has received approval from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN) to add four new clinical training sites to its LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship Program, expanding opportunities for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to complete required clinical hours while working full time.
The newly approved clinical partners include Christus Shreveport–Bossier Highland Medical Center, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, Intensive Specialty Hospital and Minden Medical Center. These sites will allow eligible LPNs working on medical-surgical floors to complete a significant portion of their clinical training directly at their place of employment, reducing barriers to advancement and supporting employer workforce needs.
BPCC began piloting this innovative apprenticeship model last year in partnership with the Willis-Knighton System. Since its launch, three LPNs have successfully graduated from the program, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating academic progression with on-the-job clinical training.
“These partnerships significantly enhance our students’ clinical experiences and support the continued growth of our LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship Program,” said BPCC Chancellor Dr. Rick Bateman, Jr. “We are grateful for LSBN’s approval and for the collaboration of our regional healthcare partners who are committed to supporting the next generation of nurses.”
BPCC’s LPN-to-RN Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide a smoother transition for working LPNs seeking to advance their careers, while helping address critical nursing workforce needs across the region. By allowing nurses to remain employed full time while earning clinical credit, the program aligns education, employment and workforce development.
The addition of these clinical sites not only increases BPCC’s training capacity but also strengthens the program’s impact on the local healthcare workforce. The inclusion of Minden Medical Center extends BPCC’s apprenticeship model into rural communities, broadening access to advanced nursing education for LPNs who live and work outside of major metropolitan areas.
For more information, contact Angela Preimesberger, Assistant Dean of Nursing, at apreimesberger@bpcc.edu or visit bpcc.edu/NAH.