Wendy Bowles

Dr. Wendy Bowles has been a nurse for more than three decades and has practiced as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 1998, when she participated in early grassroots advocacy efforts supporting nurse practitioners across Ohio. In 2005, she transitioned into nursing education, quickly recognizing the vital role of preparing new nurses for the demands of an evolving healthcare environment. She is committed to advancing evidence‑based teaching and learning practices in nursing education.

Dr. Bowles’ scholarly work centers on alternative pedagogies, curriculum design and innovative approaches to student engagement. She has disseminated her research broadly through national and international podium and poster presentations. Her funded projects have included collaborative statewide efforts to create seamless academic pathways from associate degree programs to baccalaureate nursing education. She has also contributed to initiatives expanding the integration of Registered Nurses in Primary Care settings, with a focus on embedding this role within pre‑licensure curricula. Dr. Bowles has also worked on funding initiatives that included simulated and virtual experiences in nursing education.

Dr. Bowles is recognized for her extensive work seamless progression pathways and further extended this to LPNs. Her recent initiatives include the development of an LPN‑to‑BSN track utilizing Ohio’s Industry Transfer Assurance Guide (ITAG), enabling Licensed Practical Nurses to receive workforce credit for prior experience and education. This LPN‑to‑BSN pathway was funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).