Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Owens Community College announced the launch of its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program – the first bachelor’s degree program in the college’s 60-year history.
Owens began planning the BSN Completion Program two years ago after the state recognized a critical and growing need for more bachelor’s-prepared nurses. To address workforce shortages—especially in high-demand fields like nursing and education—the state has encouraged community colleges to develop bachelor’s degree programs.
Owens’ BSN program directly supports this statewide initiative.
Following the Higher Learning Commission’s approval of the BSN Completion Program last week, Owens will offer its first bachelor’s degree classes in Summer 2026.
“The approval of our Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program is a historic first for Owens Community College—our very first bachelor’s degree and a transformative step forward for the institution,” said President Dr. Dione D. Somerville. “This program reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our students and our region. By offering an accessible, high-quality BSN, we’re expanding educational pathways and helping to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare workforce across Northwest Ohio.”
The BSN Completion Program is designed for working registered nurses who earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing. Building upon Owens’ Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, the new program allows bachelor’s degree-seeking students to complete the BSN coursework online, making it a flexible, accessible option for busy professionals.
The 55-credit hour curriculum includes courses in nursing leadership, informatics and technology, healthcare systems, patient-centered care, public health, research and a capstone experience in nursing leadership and management.
Meeting a critical state and regional need
The launch of the BSN Completion Program comes at a critical time for Ohio’s healthcare system. Statistics show that the state is facing a projected shortage of more than 20,000 nurses, driven by an aging population, rising healthcare demands and a wave of retirements across the industry. Owens Community College has averaged nearly 200 ADN graduates annually over the past five academic years.
With the addition of the BSN Completion Program, Owens graduates will have expanded opportunities to advance their careers and to increase their earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 6 percent through 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations.
In Toledo, BSN-prepared nurses earn an average of $87,918 annually, compared to $76,530 for RNs overall. Across Ohio, BSN nurses make approximately $12,730 more per year than their ADN-prepared peers.
Owens formed its Associate Degree in Nursing program in 1969, enrolled its first students in 1971 and graduated the first class in 1973. Owens nursing graduates consistently outperform state and national averages on the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
With the new BSN Completion Program, Owens expects to initially enroll 25 students twice per year, with projected growth to 72 students all told by the program’s fourth year.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete an online interest form at www.owens.edu/BSN.
The BSN Completion Program will be part of the School of Nursing and Health Professions, which currently offers 23 associate degrees and certificates in 11 disciplines across the Toledo- and Findlay-area campuses.
