In an exciting announcement last week, Butler Tech and Miami University Regionals unveiled a transformative new pathway for Butler Tech students aiming for careers in nursing. Through the Early Access BSN 1+3 Model, students at Butler Tech’s Bioscience Center can complete the first year of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) while still in high school, positioning them to earn a BSN just three years after graduation. This accelerated pathway will allow graduates to enter the workforce sooner, equipped with advanced skills to meet the critical need for nurses in Ohio and beyond.
Designed exclusively for Butler Tech Bioscience Center students, the 1+3 model offers a unique opportunity to build on the clinical skills developed through Butler Tech’s career-technical education. Miami University nursing faculty will lead the first-year BSN coursework directly at Butler Tech, providing students with college-level instruction and a clinical foundation before they even graduate high school.
Beyond coursework, the students can participate in Miami’s Work+ Program, which allows them to graduate debt-free by covering tuition in exchange for part-time employment. Students also benefit from built-in breaks during summer and winter, enabling them to explore additional certifications, internships, or undergraduate research experiences.
This partnership between Butler Tech and Miami University addresses the urgent nursing shortage impacting Ohio’s healthcare system. Stephanie Nicely, Miami’s chair of Nursing, underscored the importance of preparing graduates who are ready to meet the needs of local hospitals and clinics from day one. “By integrating this early access model, we’re equipping students with both academic and clinical experience, positioning them as highly qualified professionals ready to support our community’s healthcare system.”
Graduates from this accelerated program will also have a pathway to continue their education with a direct admission option to Miami’s online Master of Science in Nursing program, which can be completed after the BSN. This allows students to seamlessly transition to advanced practice roles, amplifying their impact on the community’s healthcare needs.
“The collaboration between Butler Tech and Miami University for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) streamlines the pathway to address the growing demand in healthcare,” said Jon Graft, superintendent and CEO of Butler Tech. “We’re excited to continue integrating programs with Miami University. By working together, we are advancing beyond traditional education models to drive transformative change in the field.”
The partnership between Butler Tech and Miami University exemplifies how educational institutions can join forces to innovate and adapt to workforce demands. Butler Tech’s commitment to student success, paired with Miami University’s academic expertise, is shaping a generation of healthcare professionals ready to make a meaningful difference.