South College crests 2,000-student milestone in Competency-Based Education programs and adds two Doctor of Nursing Practice concentrations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 3, 2025
South College has more than 2,000 students enrolled in its Competency-Based Education programs and has added two in-demand Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post Master’s) concentrations in Executive Leadership and Nursing Education.
South College set the enrollment milestone near the four-year anniversary of its Competency-Based Education initiative, known as CBE – which launched in October 2021 – and less than a year after reaching 1,000 students in December 2024.
The CBE programs allow 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 2,000 students enrolled in our CBE programs confirms why we launched this flexible format,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “Students seeking access to advanced degrees need to be met where they are and provided viable paths to advance their careers while still meeting all their other obligations.”
Earlier this year, South College launched the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s), a program offered through CBE and the first and only graduate- and doctorate-level CBE program approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Two new concentrations have been added for DNP (Post-Master’s) in Executive Leadership and DNP Nursing Education.
The Executive Leadership concentration is designed to prepare experienced nurses for elevated leadership roles to manage departments and pursue executive roles within a variety of healthcare organizations, with a focus on working effectively across departments and disciplines; emphasizing quality improvement and patient safety; implementing evidence-based practices; and preparing for challenges.
The Nursing Education concentration is designed to prepare nurses with a passion for teaching within the profession to design curriculum, assess learning and present evidence-based practices. Nurse educators will work to become proficient in nursing practices, technology, learning management systems, leadership and scholarly pursuits.
An advanced degree such as the DNP 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 allows nursing professionals to continue learning and apply that knowledge and skill to both their advanced education and the healthcare workforce,” said Dr. Michael Patrick, South College CBE president. “While we are very excited at reaching the 2,000-student milestone and adding programs, we will continue to evolve and evaluate the best paths to meet the needs of our students – to meet them where they are.”
South College also offers CBE programs, including master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral certificates, 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 18,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 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.