New RN to BSN Program Launched

This National Nurses Week, Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program this autumn semester beginning Aug. 26.

This program offers current registered nurses an opportunity to further their education, enhance their technical skills and increase their pay rate. On average, Ohio nurses make an additional $10,000 per year once they obtain a BSN, per NursingProcess.org salary reports.

Many hospitals require their nurses to either already have a BSN or agree to obtain one after being hired. COTC is eager to further the education of nurses who have started their educational journey here, as well as to see new students who are looking to fulfill this requirement.

“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,” says Heather Burkhart, vice president of acute care services at Licking Memorial Health Systems. “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.”

COTC’s RN to BSN program is completely online, granting working nurses the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace. Students will still receive all the benefits and support services available to all COTC students, including tutoring, advising, success coaches and more.

Admission to this program will be offered each term, for a total of six start dates per academic year. This is a non-selective program, so students will be admitted if they meet the program admission requirements. The deadline to apply is two weeks prior to the start of each term.

Following the suggested plan of study, students will complete the program and receive their BSN within two years. Students may also accelerate their studies and complete the program sooner if they wish. The program will consist of 20, eight-week courses. Upon completion, students receive a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing.

Furthermore, COTC is offering the RN to BSN program at the same low cost per credit hour as the rest of our programs. Nursing and enrollment staff have carefully crafted this program to meet the lifestyle needs of working nurses, offering them the chance to propel their career opportunities at an affordable rate and in an accessible environment.

“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,” says program director Kendrah Cunningham, PhD. “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 currently in the candidacy phase of the initial accreditation process with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). For further information or questions about the program, visit go.cotc.edu/BSN or contact program director Kendrah Cunningham, PhD, at cunningham.775@mail.cotc.edu.