LC State Nursing Program Retains Preferred Status with U.S. Army

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Lewis-Clark State College's nursing program has once again been designated as a preferred institution by the U.S. Army's Enlisted Commissioning Program (AECP), placing it among just 14 schools nationwide approved by the Army Nurse Corps. The AECP allows active-duty service members to earn a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and return to service as commissioned officers after graduation.

Why it matters

This preferred status helps draw nursing students from across the country to LC State's program, which offers a pathway for enlisted service members to transition into nursing careers. The designation also highlights the college's strong reputation and ability to meet the Army's rigorous requirements for nursing education.

The details

To qualify as a preferred AECP institution, schools must meet several criteria, including offering a BSN that can be completed within 24 months, maintaining accreditation, keeping annual tuition below $15,000, and achieving at least a 90% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX over the past three years. Programs must also be located within 100 miles of a military treatment facility.

• LC State's nursing program has retained the preferred AECP status for multiple years.
• Enrollment in the enlisted commissioning programs at LC State has grown, increasing from 4 students in fall 2024 to 13 in fall 2025.

What’s next

LC State plans to continue partnering with the Army's AECP, as well as similar commissioning programs for the Air Force and Navy, to offer enlisted service members pathways into nursing careers.