The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
New RN-to-BSN pathway expands affordable opportunities for Northeast Ohio healthcare professionals with online classes and flexible scheduling
Lorain County Community College is continuing its legacy of providing high-quality education for in-demand healthcare careers with the launch of a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program beginning in fall 2026.
The fully online RN-to-BSN program is designed to seamlessly stack with the College’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN), creating a flexible and affordable pathway for working healthcare professionals seeking to advance their education and careers.
“LCCC has a long history of preparing highly skilled nurses through a rigorous associate degree program that leads to strong licensure and employment outcomes,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. “The addition of the RN-to-BSN program allows graduates to continue their education seamlessly at an affordable cost while helping meet the growing demand for highly qualified nursing professionals across Northeast Ohio.”
In addition to online classes, students will be able to choose from three course schedules each offering a different number of credits per semester, allowing learners to select the pace that works best for them.
“LCCC meets students where they are and delivers education that fits the realities of their lives,” Ballinger said. “By offering online coursework and multiple pacing options, we are making it easier for working nurses to continue their education, strengthen their skills, and advance their careers.”
The RN-to-BSN program marks the third bachelor’s degree delivered directly by LCCC, joining the Bachelor of Applied Science in Microelectronic Manufacturing and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering.
The College recently received approval from the Higher Learning Commission and the Ohio Department of Higher Education to offer the new degree option.
The addition of the RN-to-BSN program responds to growing workforce demand across Northeast Ohio. In the 14-county region, projections show approximately 2,841 registered nurse openings annually, along with 855 licensed practical nurse openings and 2,841 certified nurse aide openings each year. Demand for advanced nursing roles also continues to rise, with nurse practitioner positions projected to grow by 24% and nearly 400 annual openings anticipated. A BSN serves as a critical foundation for nurses pursuing graduate-level education and advanced practice roles.
LCCC offers education and training opportunities across all levels of healthcare careers, including Paramedic, Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Practical Nursing (LPN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and now the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Interested students can register for an information session and learn more here: https://www.lorainccc.edu/health/nursing/rn-to-bsn/
Fall semester begins on August 24.
