Feb. 10, 2025
South College has more than 1,000 students enrolled in its Competency-Based Education programs and has added a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s), a significant accomplishment for the innovative learning format.
Competency-Based Education, known as CBE, allows working professionals to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of course content. The flexible and personalized path provides educational advancement options for students who need to balance work and personal commitments.
“The milestone of more than 1,000 students enrolled in our CBE programs just three years after the launch of the learning platform underscores the need for flexible options for those in the workforce,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “Our goal is to provide educational opportunities that allow students to add professional knowledge and earn advanced degrees in their fields.”
South College’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s) program offered through CBE is the first and only graduate- and doctorate-level CBE program approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The advanced degree allows working nurses to pursue a doctorate and learn skills to apply research findings and best practices in clinical settings, and the asynchronous format allows nurses to progress toward the degree at their own pace.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s) program helps students develop knowledge and skills in advanced research, analysis and evaluation methods; nursing leadership and interprofessional collaboration; healthcare informatics; advanced clinical judgment and evidence-based care; population health and emerging disease states; and healthcare and nursing policy advocacy.
“The CBE model is a perfect way for nursing professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills while continuing to manage their healthcare career,” said Dr. Michael Patrick, South College CBE president. “The format allows students to move at their own pace, from spending less time on material already familiar to them for a quick refresh and more time on new or complex topics of learning.”
South College also offers CBE programs, including master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral certificate, in business and technology; computer science and engineering; education; legal studies; and ministry.
Students in South College’s CBE programs enroll in a six-month subscription-based model with no set due dates and the convenience of online learning. The CBE model also provides an interactive online environment that allows students to engage with faculty and foster collaboration.
For more information and to apply, visit south.edu/cbe.
About South College
South College serves more than 14,000 students and is proud of its more than 17,000 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, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; Marietta, Georgia; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. 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.
About accreditation
South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels. South College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of South College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).
