PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES ANNOUNCES NURSING TRANSFER PARTNERSHIP WITH MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO
Emmetsburg, Iowa — Iowa Lakes Community College has established a new transfer partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato through the Maverick Advance Plan, or MAP, creating a streamlined pathway for Iowa Lakes nursing students to continue their education and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
The Iowa Lakes nursing program has a long history of preparing students for careers in health care. The Practical Nursing program began in 1966, followed by the Associate Degree Nursing program in 1971. For nearly 60 years, Iowa Lakes has focused on educating skilled, compassionate nurses who meet the needs of patients and communities.
The programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, a national organization that sets standards for nursing education. This accreditation reflects the quality of the curriculum, faculty and student outcomes, and helps ensure graduates are prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education.
“At Iowa Lakes, our nursing programs are built on a strong foundation of academic rigor, hands-on clinical experience and a deep commitment to student success,” said Tammy Shimon, dean of health sciences at Iowa Lakes Community College. “This partnership creates a clear next step for our graduates, allowing them to build on that foundation and continue advancing in their nursing careers while meeting the growing needs of the health care workforce.”
The new partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato expands opportunities for graduates to advance their education while supporting both institutions’ commitment to strengthening the regional nursing workforce.
“This agreement marks an important step forward in strengthening the nursing workforce across our region by creating a clear, supportive pathway for Iowa Lakes associate degree nursing graduates to advance their education and careers,” said Dr. Laura Schwarz, professor and RN Baccalaureate Completion Program director at Minnesota State University, Mankato. “By aligning our programs and resources, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to developing highly skilled nurses who will enhance patient safety and improve healthcare outcomes across Iowa, Minnesota and beyond.”
“At Iowa Lakes, we are committed to creating clear and accessible pathways that allow our students to continue their education and advance in their careers,” said Kyle Norris, vice president of academic affairs at Iowa Lakes Community College. “This articulation agreement with Minnesota State University, Mankato strengthens that commitment by providing our nursing graduates with an opportunity to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing while building on the strong foundation they receive at Iowa Lakes.”
Representatives from both institutions gathered April 9 on the Emmetsburg Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College to formally recognize the partnership and celebrate the expanded opportunities it creates for nursing students.
The MAP partnership reflects the continued focus of Iowa Lakes on building transfer pathways that support student success, workforce development and long-term career advancement.
For more information about the nursing programs offered at Iowa Lakes, visit www.iowalakes.edu.