The LPN-to-RN program at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been ranked No. 1 in the nation by AffordableCollegesOnline.org.  Rankings sort schools by affordability, major, program type, and state, and only colleges with multiple online degree options are included.

“We are excited to now add the LPN-to-RN pathway, offered here at Gulf Coast, to a nationally recognized ranking,” said Dr. Karol Purdie, School of Nursing Year II department chair. “Our instructors work very hard providing quality training to all students, preparing each for a successful career as a registered nurse.  Most of our LPNs are currently employed, but the flexibility of the transitional pathways allows other health care disciplines, including respiratory therapists and paramedics, the opportunity to transition into nursing.”

MGCCC’s LPN-to-RN program is offered in hybrid and traditional formats.  Gulf Coast LPN-to-RN nursing students have an 85 percent 1^st write average pass rate on the NCLEX over the past three years, and the transitional pathway boasts a 100 percent job placement rate.

Methodology for the ranking is based on data provided by the U.S. Department of Education such as College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Affordability counts for 60 percent of the ranking decisions, while academic quality counts for 40 percent. Affordability is assessed based on factors such as net tuition rates, annual tuition changes, financial aid statistics, and loan default rates. AffordableCollegesOnline.org measures academic quality by student-to-faculty ratio, graduation and retention rates, and number of programs available.

For more information on MGCCC’s nursing programs, visit mgccc.edu/nursing or call (228) 896-2536.