Central Ohio Technical College implements RN to BSN program

Central Ohio Technical College is introducing a new degree program for registered nurses who are interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. As many hospitals prefer their nurses to have a bachelor degree, this new program will help registered nurses reach their education and career goals. While the program is still awaiting official accreditation, the RN to BSN program will officially launch on August 26 at the beginning of the Fall 2024 semester.

According to an article on Central Ohio Technical College’s website, Kendrah Cunningham, PhD, who is the director of the new RN to BSN program, said of the program launching, “We’re so excited to offer this opportunity to our past and current nursing students, as well as to welcome new students to COTC. Aside from fulfilling employment requirements, obtaining a BSN is a wonderful way for nurses to expand their career options and further develop their patient care skills, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of this program. Not only is this a great opportunity for nurses, but a wonderful step in the right direction for COTC that will certainly have a positive impact on the communities we serve.”

The RN to BSN program is a fully online program, offering nurses the flexibility to pursue their degree around their already busy working schedule. Students in the program will still have access to tutoring and all of the other support services that on-campus students receive. The program is not selective, so any student who applied will be accepted if they meet the admission requirements. Students can expect to complete the program within two years, though it is possible to accelerate the pace of online courses to finish the program sooner. After successfully completing the program, students will earn a bachelor of applied science degree.

Heather Burkhart, who serves as the Vice President of Acute Care Services at Licking Memorial Health Systems, explained how beneficial this program will be for nurses in the area. “An associate degree in nursing builds a strong foundation for a remarkable career. Obtaining a BSN expands that foundation, which opens new doors to leadership, specialized care, and a deeper understanding of the healthcare system. In addition, healthcare facilities that have higher percentages of nurses with BSN degrees demonstrate better patient outcomes and significantly lower mortality rates. LMHS introduced the BSN requirement nearly a decade ago, and the result has been a positive impact on quality care that our patients receive,” said Burkhart.

For more information about Central Ohio Technical College, visit the school’s website.