Minnesota school launches first-of-its-kind bridge program to strengthen Army Reserve, nursing pipeline and readiness
U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Lynn Bowser, chief nurse assigned to the 303rd Field Hospital, speaks during a press conference announcing a new Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) bridging program at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), April 22, 2026. The program provides Army practical nursing specialists (MOS 68C) an accelerated pathway to earn a BSN degree, enhancing professional development and medical readiness across the force. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mikayla Fritz)