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SOWELA and McNeese Sign New Articulation Agreement for Nursing Students to Transfer Credits


Students Can Fully Transfer Credits From SOWELA to Enter McNeese With as Few as 30 Credit Hours Remaining to Complete Their BSN

(Lake Charles, Louisiana – October 25, 2022)

SOWELA and McNeese have signed an articulation agreement between the two schools for their nursing programs making it easier for students to transfer credits from SOWELA to McNeese.

Upon completion of the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from SOWELA Technical Community College, general education courses can be transferred and applied toward the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN Program) from the College of Nursing and Health Professions at McNeese State University. Additionally, once SOWELA students earn the ASN degree and obtain RN licensure, McNeese will grant 39 credit hours of nursing advanced placement credit. Students will then complete as few as 30 additional credit hours of nursing coursework at McNeese to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

The new agreement runs five years with the option for renewal in 2027.

“This Nursing transfer agreement is another collaborative effort between McNeese and SOWELA that makes the pathway to a Bachelor’s degree a seamless process,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “Lake Charles and SW Louisiana are fortunate to have two strong higher educational institutions that are constantly working together to make the attainment of an advanced degree more accessible while removing the obstacles that prevent success.”

The agreement was announced and signed today during a special signing ceremony at SOWELA Technical Community College. The agreement was signed by SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall, McNeese State University President Dr. Daryl Burckel, SOWELA Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Paula Hellums, McNeese Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Frederick “Chip” Lemieux, SOWELA School of Nursing and Allied Health Dean Kristine Stout and McNeese College of Nursing and Health Professions Dean Dr. Ann Warner.

The latest articulation agreement between SOWELA and McNeese marks the nineth transfer agreement between the two Lake Charles educational institutions. Other transfer agreements include Art, Business Administration, Psychology and a Reverse Transfer Agreement.

“McNeese and SOWELA share a common interest in providing access to quality higher education in southwest Louisiana,” McNeese President Dr. Daryl V. Burckel said. “Many students that dream of a career in nursing or health care start their journey at SOWELA and we look forward to welcoming SOWELA ASN graduates into our bachelor’s degree program.”

“Working with SOWELA to streamline the transfer process between our academic programs is in the best interest of region and our economy,” Burckel said.

Students at both higher learning institutions receive hands-on experience and learn under credentialed faculty who meet the accreditation requirements of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

For more information about any of SOWELA’s programs or to apply online, visit this page. Anyone needing additional assistance can contact onestop@sowela.edu for more information.

About SOWELA Technical Community College

SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, distance, and lifelong learning experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The College empowers learners in career and technical education and enables transfer students to pursue a four-year degree, so all learners excel as globally competitive citizens. The College has been educating the region’s workforce for more than 80 years.

About McNeese State University

McNeese State University is nationally ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States, is recognized as one of the finest regional universities in the South and is known as one of the best values for low tuition and high average starting salaries for graduates. McNeese continues to play a pivotal role in providing well-prepared, innovative leaders by offering outstanding academic programs and focusing on student success and affordability. McNeese faculty and staff are committed to the University’s motto of “Excellence With a Personal Touch!”