04/22/2026
Today was the big announcement and I am so happy and proud to finally share it with you all!
The University of Missouri St. Louis- UMSL and the Gateway ROTC Battalion will have the first 68C LPN to BSN Bridge program in the nation.
For the past 15 months I have been working with Gateway ROTC Battalion staff, specifically Mr. Lee Rodriguez and Dr. Joshua Minks, the UMSL School of Nursing Department and AMEDD Center & Schools to establish this program.
15 months ago this was just an idea rooted in need, opportunity, and the future of Army nursing. Today, that idea is reality.
This program matters because it creates a direct pathway for Soldiers who are already trained, already tested and already committed to service to advance from practical nurse specialist to become registered nurses and future Army Nurse Corps Officers.
These are individuals who already understand what it means to care for others. They already live the value of service, readiness, and sacrifice. They already know the importance of caring for our Soldiers, their families, and our allied partners.
For Army Reserve units like mine, this program is especially important because it helps build a pipeline of highly motivated, clinically experienced, future registered nurses who can help fill critical nursing shortages in our formations. It’s strengthens readiness not only for today, but for the future. When we invest in our 68C Soldiers and support their progression in becoming BSN – prepared nurses, we are developing leaders who bring both medical expertise and military understanding.
The Army Nurse Corps motto says it best: embrace the past, engaged, the present, envision in the future. This program does all three. It honors the service and experience these Soldiers already bring, addresses the nursing need we faced today, and help build the next generation of Army Nurse Corps leaders. 
Thank you to all of my fellow Soldiers who came out to support this event today. You’re the best! Thank you to all of our stakeholders and community partners that helped make this happen.
Our first group of students will begin this fall. We have a team all ready to assist with tuition assistance and using other military benefits. As well as grants to help with housing and books. Help me spread the word!
