Clark State College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program approved by Ohio Department of Higher Education

Clark State College is one step closer to being able to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree completion program in addition to its other nursing-focused offerings, thanks to a recent approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. The next step for the school is to gain an approval from the Higher Learning Commission, and once that is secured, the program is planned to launch in the Fall 2025 semester.

According to an article on Clark State College’s website, Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., the president of Clark State College, is quoted as saying, “This approval underscores our commitment to addressing the needs of students, as well as the healthcare needs of our community. Our students obtain vital clinical skills and leadership capabilities 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.”

Currently, Clark State College offers a Licensed Practical Nursing program and an associate degree program for registered nurses. The school also offers Advanced Standing nursing programs for LPN certificates and RN associate degrees that students can complete in a shorter amount of time from the regular programs. Every nursing program the school offers is popular, with enrollments often at capacity.

Garrett Fisher, the director of Clark State College’s nursing programs, explained the benefits of the school’s nursing curriculum, saying, “Our nursing program retention rate is approximately 90 percent and our graduation rate is around 98 percent. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the needs and high standards of today’s nursing professionals. To help our students meet those demands, our labs include high fidelity mannequins that breath, cry, blink and more so students obtain realistic experiences and practice. We offer interventions to ensure they achieve academic success, such as dedicated study spaces for our nursing students and tutoring both online and in-person. Our instructors truly are here for the team and for all students. In addition, we offer competitive tuition rates, scholarships and [a] variety of financial aid options, including tuition reimbursement for eligible nursing students. We also meet students where they are by offering both day and evening class options. We are dedicated to being personalized, accessible, affordable and accommodating.”

As soon as the program is approved by the Higher Learning Commission, the State of Ohio will give Clark State College the final go ahead to begin offering the program in Fall 2025.

For more information about Clark State College, visit the school’s website.