By 1808Delaware
Home to a satellite campus of the college, Delaware County is very much connected to the entire healthcare system in central Ohio. Developments in that system can greatly impact county residents.
Columbus State Community College is taking a significant step in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage by launching its first Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program this fall. This program represents a critical milestone for the college as it becomes its first-ever bachelor’s degree offering. Designed to meet the needs of registered nurses (RNs) who seek to advance their education, the program is fully online, providing a flexible, convenient, and affordable option for students across Central Ohio and beyond.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Nursing Professionals
The introduction of the BSN program aligns with Columbus State’s commitment to double the output of its healthcare programs over the next decade, a strategic move that reflects the intense demand for skilled nursing professionals in the region. Central Ohio’s healthcare industry, like many others across the country, is grappling with a shortage of qualified nurses, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery.
Currently, central Ohio’s nursing programs produce approximately 1,000 BSN graduates annually, a figure that falls short of the region’s needs. The introduction of Columbus State’s BSN program is expected to make a significant impact on this talent gap. David Harrison, president of Columbus State, emphasized the importance of this development, stating, “This is a big deal for healthcare in our region. We’ve created an affordable, flexible training option that brings career advancement within reach to more working RNs. This is an innovative way to increase the nursing pipeline in Central Ohio.”
Program Details: Flexible, Affordable, and Accessible
Columbus State’s BSN program is designed with working professionals in mind. The fully online format allows registered nurses to continue working while pursuing their degrees, providing the flexibility needed to balance work, education, and personal commitments. Moreover, the cost of the program remains in line with the college’s other offerings, making it an attractive option for those looking to advance their careers without incurring significant debt. The annual tuition for a full-time student is currently set at $5,488, a fraction of the cost compared to traditional four-year institutions.
The program is open to Columbus State students who have completed their Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) as well as RNs throughout the region. The Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission have both approved the program, ensuring it meets rigorous academic standards.
Tamara Montgomery, Columbus State’s nursing program chair, highlighted the anticipated popularity of the program, noting, “We expect the BSN will be incredibly popular with nursing students and RNs throughout the region, whether they are currently considering a Columbus State associate degree, one of our recent graduates, or a working RN looking to further their career with a cost-conscious and convenient option.”
A Boost for the Local Healthcare System
The introduction of Columbus State’s BSN program is not just a win for the college and its students; it’s a significant boon for the entire Central Ohio healthcare system. Health care providers increasingly require a BSN for advanced nursing roles, which offer better pay and opportunities for specialization. Additionally, data shows that hospitals with higher percentages of BSN-prepared nurses experience better patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates.
Jeff Klingler, president and CEO of the Central Ohio Hospital Council, expressed strong support for the program, stating, “Columbus State is increasing access within our region to nursing career growth and advancement with the introduction of its BSN program. More than 26,000 registered nurses work in the central Ohio region, and there are nearly 1,900 open RN positions. Columbus State’s commitment to its BSN program is welcome news not only for healthcare employers, but for our community at large.”
Anticipated Enrollment and Future Growth
Columbus State plans to enroll approximately 150 students in the inaugural BSN class, with expectations for rapid growth as awareness of the program spreads. The overwhelming response from Columbus State’s current nursing students and recent graduates indicates strong demand for the program. In a recent survey, 93% of Columbus State nursing associate degree graduates expressed interest in enrolling in a BSN program if the college were to offer one. This strong interest bodes well for the program’s future success and its potential to significantly impact the region’s healthcare workforce.
Moreover, the program offers a unique opportunity for current associate degree nursing students to co-enroll in bachelor’s degree coursework, potentially shortening the time needed to complete the full BSN degree. This feature provides an additional layer of flexibility and incentive for students to pursue higher education.
Image by Elías Alarcón from Pixabay
