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May 18, 2026
by: Janine Wine
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
TCAT Dickson
Dickson, TN: TCAT Dickson and Austin Peay State University have inked an articulation agreement creating a new pathway for TCAT Dickson Practical Nursing graduates to enter the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at APSU and receive an unprecedented twenty-seven (27) credit hours of prior learning credit toward a degree.
TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis said, “This historic articulation agreement with APSU creates an important pathway for our PN graduates. Many of our students plan to continue their education, and this partnership provides a seamless transition that helps remove barriers and expands opportunities for them to advance their careers and strengthen the healthcare workforce.”
“Partnering with TCAT Dickson, we are building a seamless bridge for working nurses to advance their education without leaving their communities,” said Austin Peay State University President Mike Licari. “This LPN-to-BSN pathway reflects our shared commitment to access, excellence, and workforce readiness that empowers dedicated healthcare professionals to grow their skills, expand their impact, and help meet the evolving needs of our region.”
Dr. Kristen Butler, Associate Professor of Nursing at APSU, explained how TCAT Dickson PN graduates would earn the twenty-seven (27) credit hours included in the articulation agreement. “We’re taking the TCAT Dickson curriculum and accounting for that in our BSN program and awarding sixteen (16) credit hours,” Butler explained. After TCAT Dickson graduates successfully complete the APSU LPN to BSN Transitions Course, they will earn an additional eleven (11) credit hours. “It will take you three years to complete the BSN program instead of four years,” Butler added.
APSU President Licari stated, “Your partner (APSU) has the best BSN program in the state, and we are very proud of that. The severe shortage of nurses we have in the state and in the country is not going away. This agreement will eventually help improve the quality of healthcare in the state.”
TCAT Dickson Vice President of Academics Dr. Levi Mayer addressed TCAT Dickson Practical Nursing students attending the signing ceremony, by saying, “This is the best route for you in the entire state. APSU is giving more TCAT LPN credit than any other university.”
TCAT Dickson PN graduates can anticipate taking advantage of this articulation agreement and earning those twenty-seven credit hours beginning Fall 2027. The first cohort should be able to graduate by Spring 2029.
TCAT Dickson is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education, and complies with non-discrimination laws: Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA. Located on Highway 46 in Dickson, the technical training college also has extension campuses in Clarksville, and Franklin. Additional information about the school is located at TCAT Dickson's website .
TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis (center left) and Austin Peay State University President Mike Licari (center right) ink an articulation agreement between the two campuses at TCAT Dickson’s main campus creating a seamless pathway and providing an unprecedented twenty-seven credit hours to TCAT Dickson Practical Nursing graduates enrolling in APSUs Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. TCAT Dickson Vice President of Academics Dr. Levi Mayer (left) and APSU Senior Vice Provost Dr. Lisa Sullivan (right) watch the historic signing.
TCAT Dickson and Austin Peay State University made history today signing an articulation agreement creating an important pathway for TCAT Practical Nursing students to receive twenty-seven credit hours when enrolling in APSUs BSN program and meeting the necessary requirements. Pictured front row from left is TCAT Dickson Vice President of Academics Dr. Levi Mayer, TCAT Dickson President Laura Travis, Austin Peay State University President Mike Licari, and Austin Peay State University Senior Vice Provost Dr. Lisa Sullivan; back from left are TCAT Practical Nursing Instructors Amy Wuertz, Macy Clark, and Megan Tidwell along with APSU Director of Nursing Dr. Eve Rice, APSU Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Kristen Butler, and Dean of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences Dr. Dlynn Williams.
