Columbus State introduces bachelor’s degree program in nursing
Fully online degree program will enable registered nurses to obtain affordable bachelor’s degrees within two years
Campus News | Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Columbus State Community College will enroll its first Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) class this fall, offering a convenient, affordable and flexible option for registered nurses who want to continue their education. The program, which will be fully online, is the college’s first bachelor’s degree.
Launching a BSN is an integral part of Columbus State’s commitment to more than double the output of its healthcare programs by over the next decade. The BSN program will serve Columbus State students who have completed their registered nursing associate degree as well as RNs throughout the region and beyond. The bachelor’s completion program is offered fully online to promote access and flexibility for the working student, at the same affordable cost per credit hour of other college offerings. Annual tuition for a full-time student is currently $5,488.
“This is a big deal for healthcare in our region,” said David Harrison, Columbus State president. “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.”
Columbus State plans to enroll approximately 150 BSN students in the first class of the program, with rapid growth expected given the intense demand for talent throughout the region’s healthcare employers. The program has been approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the accrediting body the Higher Learning Commission.
Existing central Ohio nursing programs currently produce approximately 1,000 BSNs a year, but that only represents a small fraction of the needed talent pool for the region.
“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,” said Tamara Montgomery, Columbus State’s nursing program chair.
Health care providers require a BSN for more advanced and better paying nursing roles. The degree enables nurses to specialize into key practice areas, reduce clinical hours and take on leadership roles. Data demonstrates that healthcare facilities with higher percentages of BSN nurses have better patient outcomes and significantly lower mortality rates.
“Columbus State is increasing access within our region to nursing career growth and advancement with the introduction of its BSN program,” said Jeff Klingler, president and CEO of the Central Ohio Hospital Council, which represents the four Franklin County hospital systems. “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.”
Ninety-three percent of recently surveyed Columbus State nursing associate graduates responded they would like to enroll if the college launched a nursing bachelor’s completion program. Students who are pursuing an associate degree in nursing will have the potential to co-enroll in bachelor’s degree work, which could shorten the time for completion of the full bachelor’s degree.
To learn more, go to www.cscc.edu/bsn.
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