Butler Tech Adult Education is proud to announce the launch of its new Registered Nursing (RN) Program, a strategic initiative designed to meet the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in Southwest Ohio. This program, specifically tailored as a bridge for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance their careers to Registered Nurses (RNs), is now open for enrollment for its inaugural cohort, which begins in January 2025.
In response to a nationwide shortage of nurses projected to reach 275,000 by 2030, Butler Tech Adult Education is stepping up to address this critical need within the local community. With over 1,500 registered nursing job openings within a 30-mile radius of Butler County, the demand for qualified healthcare professionals has never been more urgent. This new RN program not only aims to fill these gaps but also offers aspiring nurses a pathway to advance their careers while remaining close to home.
The RN program at Butler Tech Adult Education offers an accelerated, one-year track designed to equip current LPNs with the necessary skills and credentials to transition to the role of a Registered Nurse. The curriculum is a blend of in-person instruction, hands-on clinical experiences, and hybrid online learning. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, and nursing facilities.
Students enrolled in the program will benefit from NCLEX-RN preparation, critical thinking assessments, and personalized support from experienced nursing faculty. The program’s structure is designed to foster both academic and professional success, setting graduates up for a successful nursing career.
The RN program has garnered significant support from local healthcare providers such as Kettering Health, Mercy Health, and Premier Health, who are committed to providing clinical sites and job opportunities for program graduates. This collaboration underscores the program’s role in not only addressing healthcare needs but also in contributing to the local economy by preparing a skilled workforce.
“The high demand for qualified nurses and the need for increased access to care led us to evaluate how Butler Tech Adult Education could help. 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,” said Dr. Sarah DeLong, Associate Director of Health Programs. “We are launching the first cohort this January, and the success of our current LPN program gives me confidence in the future of our RN program.”
Melissa S. Bennett, Regional Director of Nursing Professional Practice & Education at Springfield Regional Medical Center, emphasized the program’s potential: “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. As the demand for RNs across diverse acute care specialties steadily increases, this program caters to the growing need for skilled healthcare professionals.”
The program has already attracted significant interest, particularly from Butler Tech alumni who are eager to return and further their education. Graduates like Micara Gattone, who previously completed the Medical Assistant program and is currently enrolled in the LPN program, expressed enthusiasm for the new RN bridge program. “Butler Tech has changed my life. It has become a second home where my education and career goals are supported. I am excited to return for the LPN-RN bridge program to pursue my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse,” she shared.
Program Details and Enrollment Information
Butler Tech Adult Education is now enrolling for the January 2025 cohort of the RN program. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to secure their spot in this transformative program.
- Start Date: January 12, 2025
- Duration: 1 year
- Tuition: $9,900 (Additional costs for books and supplies: $4,424)
- Clinical Sites: Kettering Health, Mercy Health, Premier Health, Majestic Care, Middletown Schools
- Enrollment: Now open for January 2025 cohort
For more information or to apply, please visit Butler Tech’s Registered Nurse LPN to RN Bridge Program.