HUNTSVILLE – Following the success of the landmark LPN Launch Program between Drake State Community & Technical College and Huntsville Hospital, the institutions are collaborating on a RN Launch Program.
The announcement was made during a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony Monday.
“Our partnership with Huntsville Hospital continues to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce, and the RN Launch Program is a powerful next step,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community & Technical College. “By expanding opportunities for our nursing students, we are ensuring they have clear, affordable, and accessible pathways to advance their careers while meeting a critical community need.”
The LPN Launch Program has demonstrated strong outcomes, with Drake State receiving the Mark Ivester Innovation Award from the Community Colleges of Appalachia and many institutions across Alabama and beyond adopting the model for their own programs.
The last two classes of the PN Nursing program (December 2024 and May 2025) achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX, while Drake State’s RN program has maintained an 86% NCLEX pass rate.
The new RN Launch Program serves as a natural progression, allowing students currently enrolled in the LPN program to continue their studies toward earning an RN license.
“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Drake State with the RN Launch program,” said Tracy Doughty, president & COO of Huntsville Hospital. “This initiative will mirror our highly successful LPN Launch program which has had great results for our hospital and for Drake.
“Both of our organizations share a strong commitment to workforce development for our growing region.”
The RN Launch Program gives students access to a stronger, more affordable, and more supportive academic pathway. Through the initiative, students will benefit from a streamlined transition from LPN to RN training, increased exposure to hospital-based clinical experience, and closer mentorship from nursing professionals.
The strengthened alignment between academic coursework and hands-on training reduces barriers to degree completion and enhances students’ preparation as they move directly into advanced nursing roles.
“It makes so much sense, as the RN program is a one-plus-one program whereby the first three semesters prepare the students for an LPN license.” said Dr. Alice Raymond, Drake State’s Health Sciences chair. “The students can now opt to stop out as LPNs or continue their training for another two semesters and get their RN license.”
With the current nursing shortage in Alabama, the RN Launch Program provides a strengthened workforce pipeline that will support employment opportunities for students and positively impact the region’s healthcare community.
Students interested in joining the inaugural RN Launch cohort may apply for Fall 2026 enrollment, with additional program details and admissions information available through Drake State’s Health Sciences website.
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