Kayla Bald’s educational journey at Butler Tech demonstrates the spirit of growth and community contribution. Following her father, a 1993 Butler Tech LPN graduate, Kayla chose Butler Tech for its efficiency and hands-on approach. “I wanted to earn my license quickly and start working quickly,” she reflects, valuing the streamlined process over the broader academic requirements of traditional colleges.
Years after achieving her LPN in 2017, and gaining valuable field experience, Kayla was drawn back to Butler Tech by the launch of the new Registered Nursing (RN) Program, designed to meet the critical shortage of nurses projected nationally and locally. The program offers an accelerated pathway, combining in-person instruction with clinical experiences and online learning, making it ideal for working professionals like Kayla.
“The program is hybrid, so it’s in class and online… once a week in person,” she explains, appreciating the program’s flexible scheduling which accommodates her full-time job.
As a member of the program’s first cohort, Kayla navigates the demands of her RN training with a blend of balancing a career and family. Her early clinical experiences have been transformative, offering immediate practical application in real-world settings, such as at Miami Valley Hospital. “We jumped right in the very first week going into clinical,” she said, excited by the depth of the hands-on training that she says distinguishes Butler Tech’s healthcare programs.
The RN program at Butler Tech is a response to local and regional healthcare needs, supported by partnerships with major healthcare providers like Kettering Health and Mercy Health, which offer clinical sites and potential job placements. Dr. Sarah DeLong, Dean of Health Care, notes, “We listened to the needs of our business partners and the high interest in nursing from our students… with the success of our current LPN program I am more than confident in the future of the RN program and its graduates.”
Looking forward, Kayla is not only focused on completing her RN but aspires to specialize in geriatrics. She sees this program as a stepping stone towards becoming a nurse practitioner, a goal that underscores her commitment to lifelong learning and service to the elderly.
For those considering the RN program at Butler Tech, Kayla’s advice is clear: “Do it… You shouldn’t hesitate to do it.” She champions the program’s efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and robust preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, making it a standout choice for aspiring nurses looking to advance their careers efficiently.
As Butler Tech celebrates over 50 years of educational excellence, Kayla Bald’s story is a shining example of the potential and opportunities that await those who choose to pursue their educational journeys at Butler Tech. We wish Kayla and her peers the best in their future endeavors as they make significant contributions to healthcare and our communities.
Click here for more information on the Registered Nurse (LPN-RN Bridge) program.