Lake Superior College (LSC) has entered into a partnership agreement with Bemidji State University (BSU) to create a more seamless, supported pathway for LSC Nursing AS graduates to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through BSU’s RN to BS completion program. The collaboration, which is known as Operation LEAD, is designed to help LSC nursing students advance their education with clearer planning, coordinated advising, and streamlined transfer.
The agreement focuses on strengthening outcomes for LSC students and the region by reducing barriers to completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Through Operation LEAD, LSC nursing students gain structured support and a defined next step after completing their associate degree.
“This partnership adds value for our nursing students,” said Linda Kingston, President of Lake Superior College. “With clear planning, transfer support, and options to complete remaining transfer credits at LSC, students can keep moving forward toward a bachelor’s degree in a way that fits their lives and budgets. We’re also helping LSC graduates continue their education while staying connected to the region’s healthcare workforce.”
Operation LEAD is built to enhance the LSC student experience and provide measurable institutional benefits, including:
- A clearer “next step” for LSC Nursing AS students through a coordinated pathway to BSU’s RN to BS program, helping students see a complete plan from associate degree to bachelor’s degree.
- Improved retention and graduation outcomes supported by earlier, joint advising opportunities between LSC and BSU.
- Advising and registration support, with BSU nursing or transfer advisors available during LSC recruiting events and for on-site registration each fall and spring.
- Cost-saving options for students, including the ability for students to complete remaining Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requirements at LSC before transferring.
- Workforce impact across northern Minnesota, supporting efforts to keep nursing students in their local communities and strengthen regional health systems.
Operation LEAD provides multiple supports for LSC’s Nursing AS graduates intended to simplify transfer and accelerate completion, including:
- Guaranteed admission to Bemidji State and the RN to BS program, plus a reserved spot in the program.
- The option to start BSU RN to BS coursework prior to passing the NCLEX (Through BSU’s RN Advantage program, eligible graduates who have passed the NCLEX may receive 15 upper-division credits.)
- A program structure designed for working RNs, with eight-week classes, 100% online delivery, and the ability to attend full-time or part-time.
- A customized graduation plan
- Five start dates per year, giving working nurses flexibility to begin when it fits their schedule.
- Scholarship opportunities reserved for Operation LEAD participants
To learn more about the nursing programs at Lake Superior College, visit our Practical Nursing,Professional Nursing and Professional Nursing Advanced Standing pages. For more information on Operation LEAD visit BSU Operation LEAD.
