Cowley College and Southwestern College Partner to Launch Groundbreaking Nursing Agreement

Cowley College and Southwestern College have formalized an innovative 2+2 Nursing Agreement that creates a seamless pathway for Cowley students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Leaders from both institutions gathered today to sign the agreement, marking a new chapter in advancing educational opportunities for aspiring nurses in the region.

The official signing ceremony occurred on December 12, 2024, with Cowley College President Dr. Michelle Schoon and Southwestern College President Dr. Liz Frombgen affirming their commitment to student success and workforce development. The agreement addresses the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals by providing a clear, supportive roadmap from an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Pre-Nursing at Cowley College to a BSN at Southwestern College.

Students will complete an A.S. degree in Pre-Nursing at Cowley College during their first two years, then transfer to Southwestern College to complete their BSN the following two years. 

“Nursing is one of our top pathways that students choose as a major, so being able to move from their pre-nursing program into a BSN program is very important,” said Dr. Schoon.

Dr. Frombgen echoed this sentiment, stating, “For us, it is a great way to support our local community, our students and the kind of degrees they're interested in.” 

Qualified Cowley College students who meet GPA and program requirements will receive priority placement in Southwestern College’s BSN program. Students will transfer as juniors, with all eligible credits (grade C or higher) guaranteed to apply toward their bachelor’s degree. Southwestern will reserve up to five seats annually in their BSN program for Cowley College students who meet the outlined criteria.

To participate in the program, students must:

• Earn an A.S. degree in Pre-Nursing from Cowley College with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (3.0 in required sciences).
• Maintain full-time enrollment and declare a nursing major upon transfer.
• Submit all required application materials, including FAFSA.

This agreement provides students with a powerful advantage by ensuring a clear and supportive transition from a two-year to a four-year institution while addressing the critical demand for nurses nationwide.

For more information on the 2+2 Nursing Agreement, contact Cowley College at 800-593-2222 or Southwestern College at 800-846-1543.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu