This certification training, designed as a bridge for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance their careers to RNs, has already seen adult students enrolling for its inaugural class at Butler Tech’s LeSourdsville campus in Monroe starting in January, said officials.
“The high demand for qualified nurses and the need for increased access to care is what led us to evaluate how the healthcare programming at Butler Tech Adult Education could help,” said Dr. Sarah DeLong, associate director of health programs.
The demand locally for more nurses has been critical for years, DeLong said of the program, which will be the only state-approved training program at an Ohio Technical Center in southwest Ohio.
“We listened to the needs of our business partners and the high interest in nursing from our students, and we began working with the Ohio Board of Nursing to gain approval for the Butler Tech LPN to RN bridge program. This will serve the active LPNs in our community to obtain an RN license.”
According to a statement from Butler Tech officials, in 2023 the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a nationwide shortage of 275,000 nurses by 2030.
Ohio alone currently has 1,502 job openings for registered nurses within a 30-mile radius of Butler County, underscoring the urgent demand for qualified nursing professionals, said officials.
The new RN program, which was approved by the state in May, offers an accelerated track for current LPNs, allowing them to earn their RN credentials in just one year.
Training sites beyond the Monroe campus will include medical providers and others such as Kettering Health, Mercy Health, Premier Health, Majestic Care and Middletown Schools
The curriculum combines in-person instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and hybrid online learning, ensuring that graduates are fully equipped to excel in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and nursing facilities, said officials.
Students will receive NCLEX-RN preparation and critical thinking assessments, giving them the tools needed to pass the licensure exam and succeed as registered nurses. The program is taught by experienced nursing faculty, providing comprehensive guidance and support throughout their educational journey.
The new training and certification program is welcomed by southwest Ohio medical officials and those in the greater Dayton and Springfield areas.
“The introduction of the LPN to RN bridge program at Butler Tech presents a valuable opportunity for LPNs within the community and Mercy Health to pursue further career advancement,” said Melissa Bennett, regional director of Nursing Professional Practice & Education at Springfield Regional Medical Center.
“As the demand for RNs across diverse acute care specialties steadily increases, this program caters to the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals. We are thrilled about this program’s potential impact and eagerly anticipate its growth and success,” said Bennett.
For enrollment and other information, see Butler Tech’s website.
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