Scott Dolan, Ph.D., welcomes students during an RN Orientation in 2024.
As part of National Nurses Week, May 6-12, Clark State College has announced it will offer a bachelor’s degree nursing program, also known as a BSN completion program, in the fall of 2025. The addition of this program means Clark State students can now complete an entire nursing track, earning licensed practical nursing certificates, registered nursing associate degrees and now bachelor’s degrees in nursing.
The Ohio Department of Higher Education approved the new nursing program on April 2, as part of Clark State’s work to provide robust academic programming that meets workforce needs. The first class, to begin in August, is projected to have an enrollment of 15 students and grow to 90 students by year four.
Students will enter the bachelor’s program with 65 credit hours already earned from their associate degree program, and, at completion of the program, students will have completed a total of 121 credit hours. Courses will integrate both face-to-face and online experiences and cover medical ethics, theoretical foundations, leadership, community health, nutrition, research and safety, among other topics. The program concludes with a practicum.
“Clark State has long offered competitive nursing programs that lead to students becoming LPNs and RNs. Being able to now earn a bachelor’s degree will be the final step for students who wish to advance their career to the highest level,” said Scott Dolan, Ph.D., dean of health, human and public services. “The program has been designed with flexibility and convenience in mind to meet with demands of busy, working students, and can be completed in as little as three semesters. We are dedicated to offering a program that is personalized, accessible, accommodating and affordable.”
Tuition for the courses, which will be offered in both day and evening during the fall, spring and summer, is $4,032 per semester, for a total of $12,096 plus books. Tuition can be off-set through scholarships, financial aid, employer reimbursements and most recently, a deferred-tuition program between Clark State and Mercy Health employees. Clark State’s Advanced Standing nursing program also provides the option for students to earn credentials approximately six weeks earlier than traditional programs, creating additional cost-saving opportunities and earning wages faster.
“Clark State provides many financial aid opportunities including annual scholarships, from $500 to $5,000, based on financial need, academic performance and program of study. By lessening the financial burden, students can pursue their academic and career goals while managing costs more effectively,” said Dolan.
While the new program will be offered only at Clark State’s main campus in Springfield initially, the college’s Bellefontaine location provides an LPN program, the Beavercreek location provides both LPN and RN programs, and several local high schools and career centers offer a College Credit Plus nursing pathway which can lead to students earning their LPN from within six months of high school graduation, particularly at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and Greene County Career Center, where 70 high school students are enrolled in Clark State’s College Credit Plus nursing pathway.
Currently, 775 students are enrolled in a Clark State nursing program, which has a 95 percent graduation rate and a 100 percent job placement rate.
“We are equipping students with the resources, skills and opportunities necessary for both personal and professional growth," said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president. “Expanding educational opportunities at all certificate and degree levels is Clark State’s strategy to educate and grow the healthcare workforce. We are able to meet both student and community needs by cultivating a skilled health care workforce. Our students obtain vital clinical and leadership skills that facilitate advancement into higher nursing positions. A complete nursing program from LPN to RN to a bachelor’s degree will empower our nursing students to further their education and careers while also ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified nursing graduates to meet the region’s increased demand for nursing professionals. It’s an incredible opportunity to enhance student skills and impact the healthcare field.”
Individuals interested in the learning more about Clark State’s nursing programs, as well as enrolling, can call the admissions office at 937-328-6028. Registration is now open for Clark State’s fall semester which begins August 18. Those interested in applying to the new bachelor’s program should enroll at Clark State and then complete the program application. The deadline for applications is June 6.