2-2-1 Pathway to Nursing From UWGB to Lakeshore and Back Again

Introducing the 2 – 2 – 1 Pathway to Nursing

The new, more affordable road to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), which the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development lists as one of Wisconsin’s “Hot Jobs to 2028.” Program advisors and counselors at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Lakeshore College will guide you every step of the way. Earn three degrees in as little as five years.

Here’s how it works:

 
First 2 Years

Take courses on UW-Green Bay’s Manitowoc or Sheboygan campus and earn your Associate of Arts and Sciences degree.

Participate as you wish in events, athletics, and organizations such as the Future Nurses Club.

Second 2 Years

Take Lakeshore courses in Cleveland and earn your Nursing-Associate Degree.

Participate as you wish in events and organizations such as the Lakeshore Chapter of the Student Nurses Association.

Upon completing your Lakeshore coursework, you will be prepared to take the RN-NCLEX exam. This is the same exam taken by students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

After passing the exam, you can begin working as an RN. 

Final year

Take courses at online through UW-Green Bay to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Participate as you wish in events and organizations.

To encourage you to complete your bachelor’s degree, your employer may reimburse you for all or part of this final year of tuition.

 

So what are the differences between earning an associate degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in nursing? 

• RNs with an associate degree typically focus on direct patient care. Many RNs experience great satisfaction providing compassionate, skilled care in a variety of healthcare settings throughout their careers. After only two years at Lakeshore, you can take the RN-NCLEX exam (National Council Licensure Examination) and upon passing, begin working as an RN. Many employers are willing to cover all or part of tuition for their RNS who pursue a bachelor’s degree.

• RNs that aspire to hold leadership or management roles are typically expected to have at least a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree is also the next step in education for those seeking to become Nurse Educators or Advanced Practice Nurses.

 

ADVANTAGES OF THE 2-2-1 PATHWAY TO NURSING

  • Avoid paying high college dorm or rental fees by living at home.
  • Pay less to attend UW-Green Bay’s Manitowoc or Sheboygan campuses than students seeking a bachelor’s degree.
  • Participate in campus events and organizations at all campuses, including athletics at UW-Green Bay.
  • Tuition at Lakeshore is lower than four-year universities.
  • By working as an RN during your final year of coursework, your employer may reimburse your tuition.
  • Select courses are available in person, online, and in hybrid format.
  • Have family and friends close by for support.

For additional information on this new pathway to nursing, contact:

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Nursing and Health Studies, Rose Hall 325
920.465.2826
nursingadvising@uwgb.edu