WILMORE, Ky. — Asbury University and the University of Kentucky College of Nursing announced a new dual enrollment partnership between the two schools. The program allows students to complete both an Asbury bachelor’s degree and, after transferring to UK with preferred admission to the UK College of Nursing, complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree in under five years.

According to a news release, the joint venture intends to meet a “direct need for highly qualified nurses in the state of Kentucky and beyond.”

“The importance of training new nurses is a major national and state priority, and the program at the University of Kentucky prepares high performing nursing students who can promptly develop and utilize the latest and most advanced techniques and medical treatments for patients,” said Asbury University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Sherry Powers.

The program is called the Dual Degree Nursing Program and launched on Jan. 1, 2024. It includes both the University of Kentucky College of Nursing Traditional and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing tracks.

Each academic year, the University of Kentucky will have allotted spaces for Asbury students in both tracks under the agreement.

“We are proud to expand our BSN program to create well-rounded, highly qualified nurses in partnership with Asbury. This dual enrollment agreement will help more students follow their passion, combining the best both universities have to offer, so these students may serve their communities through the delivery of quality health care,” said UK College of Nursing Dean Rosalie Mainous.

The agreement between the schools will be reviewed every five years to be updated as needed. According to Asbury University, the partnership is one of several new majors, minors, concentrations and partnership at the private liberal arts college.