News Releases
Owens Announces First Bachelor’s Degree in Historic Milestone for Region’s Leading Healthcare Educator 
Posted on August 14th, 2025
In a defining moment for Owens Community College, the institution announced the launch of its first bachelor’s degree program in its 60-year history. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion Program marks a bold step forward for both Owens and the region as the college aims to meet growing workforce demands and expand access to affordable, high-quality education.
Owens began planning the BSN Completion Program two years ago after the State of Ohio 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 this 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 Dr. Dione D. Somerville, president of Owens Community College. “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’ well-established 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. 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 long contributed to meeting regional needs, averaging nearly 200 ADN graduates annually over the past five academic years.
Now, with the addition of the BSN Completion Program, Owens graduates will have expanded opportunities not only to advance their careers, but also 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. As more employers prioritize or require bachelor’s degrees, the BSN opens the door to leadership roles and specialized positions while also contributing to increased positive patient outcomes.
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.
High Quality, Proven Results
Owens has a long-standing reputation for nursing excellence. The college 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. In 2024, Owens boasted a 93.49 percent NCLEX pass rate, compared to 89.55 percent in Ohio and 91.16 percent nationally.
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.
Leading Healthcare Educator
Owens Community College is the leading healthcare educator in northwest Ohio, with a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing and allied health programs. Over the past five academic years, Owens has graduated an average of more than 360 highly skilled professionals who are essential to the region’s hospitals, clinics and care facilities.
Owens recently deepened its commitment to healthcare education with the opening of its new $31.3 million Healthcare Education Center on the Toledo-area Campus. This state-of-the-art facility features advanced simulation labs, modern classrooms and collaborative learning spaces designed to mirror real-world healthcare environments. The center enhances hands-on training and ensures Owens graduates are workforce-ready to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs.
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.