South College adds new pathway to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through flexible Competency-Based Education (CBE)

South College has expanded its Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs with a pathway for BSN RNs to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, further enhancing access to advanced degrees and professional growth.

The BSN-to-DNP program track through CBE, available in August 2026, creates a pathway for those with a with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and RN license to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) through CBE delivery, which allows professionals to advance through the curriculum online by demonstrating content mastery.

“The CBE model has become a proven way for nursing professionals to earn an advanced degree and develop new skills and expertise, while maintaining their current healthcare career,” said Dr. Michael Patrick, South College CBE president. “By offering the BSN-to-DNP program track at South College, we are reaching professionals where they are in their work and personal lives with a path that meets their needs.”

Like other CBE models, the program is structured for working professionals balancing multiple responsibilities. Students can progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of familiar course material while devoting more time to new and complex topics.

The program is aligned with the April 2026 edition of The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education, which is prepared by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and reflects current national standards.

“We expect the BSN-to-DNP CBE program track to draw a lot of interest from nursing professionals because it provides a clear path to a doctorate from a bachelor’s degree,” Patrick said. “A DNP offers the opportunity for professional growth such as advanced clinical roles, executive leadership, college professor positions and options in nursing research and policy fields.”

In addition, baccalaureate-prepared nurses will have a seamless path to doctoral-level expertise through an efficient curriculum that moves from foundational knowledge to advanced practice readiness. The credit hours reflect expanded content depth, greater academic rigor and alignment with accreditation standards and competency expectations.

South College offers monthly start dates for CBE programs. Students may enroll in a six-month subscription-based model and progress at their own pace with the benefit of a faculty mentor and an interactive online environment that fosters collaboration.

South College offers multiple CBE programs, including master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral certificates in areas such as nursing; business and technology; education; criminal justice; and ministry.

For more information and to apply, visit south.edu/cbe.

South College also offers more than 150 academic programs and concentrations at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida; as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE).

To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 25,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida; as well as Online and CBE. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.