As part of Clark State College’s work to provide robust academic programming that meets workforce needs, the Ohio Department of Higher Education recently approved Clark State’s application to offer students a bachelor of science in nursing program. With ODHE approval in hand, Clark State is now working toward obtaining final program approval from the Higher Learning Commission, with the hopes of launching a nursing bachelor’s degree option, also known as a BSN completion program, in the fall of 2025.
Clark State has long offered competitive nursing programs that lead to students earning licensed practical nursing certificates, as well as an associate degree for registered nurses. In addition, Clark State’s Bellefontaine location provides an LPN program and several local high schools and career centers offer a College Credit Plus nursing pathway which can lead to high school students earning their LPN from Clark State within six months of high school graduation, particularly at Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and Greene County Career Center, among others.
Work to develop Clark State’s bachelor’s nursing program started in 2023. Once approved by the HLC, the state will give final approval and then Clark State can begin offering all nursing credentials and degrees to support students in advancing their careers to the highest level.
“This approval underscores our commitment to addressing the needs of students, as well as the healthcare needs of our community,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president. “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.”
Clark State’s nursing program is wildly popular in the area; the nursing program at the main campus in Springfield is consistently at capacity, the Beavercreek program has doubled enrollment since 2023 and Greene County Career Center has 70 students enrolled in Clark State’s College Credit Plus nursing pathway. According to Garrett Fisher, director of CSC nursing programs, the success of the program is due to Clark State’s commitment to affordability, accessibility and flexibility.
“Our nursing program retention rate is approximately 90 percent and our graduation rate is around 98 percent,” said Fisher. “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 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.”
To that end, Clark State’s Advanced Standing nursing program also provides the option for students to earn credentials in less time, creating possible cost-savings, entering the workforce sooner and earning wages faster. The Advanced Standing programs for LPN certificates and RN associate degrees are both approximately six weeks shorter than the traditional programs.
Clark State also provides hundreds of scholarships annually, ranging from $500 to $5,000, based on financial need, academic performance and program of study. Additional financial aid opportunities specific to nursing include the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, which awards amounts from $1,500 to $5,200 annually for students in eligible STEM fields, including nursing; a College Credit Plus Scholarship that covers tuition and fees up to $3,000 per year for high school students who have completed 30 hours of coursework with a 3.0 grade point average; and a new deferred-tuition program for Mercy Health employees. The Clark State Foundation also contributes more than $300,000 in scholarships thanks to donations from local businesses and donors.
Clark State’s School of Health, Human and Public Services oversees the nursing programs, as well as diagnostic medical sonography and paramedic options. On Dec. 5, the school will honor 28 LPN students during a graduation ceremony and on Dec. 6, the school will celebrate the accomplishments of 60 nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony. Both programs will take place at 6 p.m. at the Clark State Performing Arts Center, 300 S. Fountain Ave. in Springfield.
Individuals interested in the learning more about Clark State’s nursing programs, as well as enrolling, can visit clarkstate.edu or call the admissions office at 937-328-6028.
Registration is now open for Clark State’s spring semester which begins Jan. 13. Registration for the fall semester will open on March 18.