North Columbus News

The Ohio State University College of Nursing has introduced a new Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (aBSN) program aimed at students who already hold a degree in a non-nursing field and are seeking to enter the nursing profession quickly. The full-time program, launched in 2024, allows participants to complete their studies in as little as 18 months.

Sophie Janssen, a health sciences graduate from Ohio State and part of the first cohort, said, “I feel like I’m learning a lot quicker than if I had taken the traditional program. Every class I’m in is specific to nursing, so I feel like I’m learning a lot quicker and I’m getting all the information in. I feel pretty ready for graduation.”

Megan Trainer, also among the inaugural group of students, highlighted the advantages of returning to Ohio State for this program. “It was ideal for me because I had already been to Ohio State,” she said. “I think the price point was also a huge option for me when it came to the accelerated programs. I just needed something that would bridge the degree that I already had to getting my nursing core classes done.”

The university’s president, Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., has set an objective to double undergraduate enrollment in the College of Nursing as part of his strategic plan, aiming to address ongoing workforce shortages.

Kaitlyn Kolcun, assistant clinical professor of nursing, explained the motivation behind adding this pathway: “I think the biggest reason for adding this program to what we already offer at the College of Nursing is to continue to expand our availability of nurses. Throughout the U.S., we’re still undergoing massive nursing shortages post-pandemic, as well as with the baby boomer generation retiring. The need for nurses is increasing and this offers another pathway for folks to obtain that nursing degree.”

Students enrolled in the aBSN participate in both academic coursework and clinical experience alongside health care professionals across Ohio, including at Wexner Medical Center. Graduates become eligible for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nursing required by state boards.

Both Janssen and Trainer are currently employed at Wexner Medical Center as patient care associates and have applied for nursing positions there after graduation.

Taylor Mullin, instructor of clinical practice at Ohio State’s College of Nursing, noted increased interest in the new offering: “We are seeing so many more people interested in the program, because a lot of them want to stay at Ohio State. Some of them work at the medical center, so they get the luxury of getting their tuition paid for and then not having to pay for another degree.”

Graduates will have career opportunities available in various settings such as hospitals, research clinics, and home care.

Further details about enrollment can be found on the program website.