Sinclair Community College Graduates its First Three Students in New Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree

Sinclair Community College has graduated its very first three (3) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree students.

The three (3) BSN graduates were recognized last night during Sinclair’s Nursing Department’s Pinning and Recognition Ceremony held at Sinclair’s Centerville Campus. The ceremony was held for Sinclair’s Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates, as well as the three (3) BSN graduates.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a strong support system here at Sinclair,” said Kristen Siler, one of the first three Sinclair BSN graduates and employee with Miami Valley Hospital. “In a lot of my classes we focused on being able to advocate for people of different backgrounds, and I think that’s really important in nursing today.”

Sinclair launched its Bachelor of Science in Nursing completion program in January 2024 with a mission to support practicing registered nurses (RN) in advancing their careers and enhancing healthcare outcomes.
“This program has given me confidence and new skills,” said Kristen Bacon, an employee with Miami Valley Juvenile Rehab Center and one of the first three Sinclair BSN graduates. “I was kind of doubting myself at first, but with all the classes I’ve taken over the last year (through Sinclair), it’s really given me a new look on nursing. I wasn’t a traditional student, I got married and had kids, and didn’t think that I needed school anymore. I never thought I could do it, and now, I’m doing it!”

There are 56 students currently enrolled in the BSN program. This is in addition to the roughly 300 students enrolled in Sinclair’s Associate Degree Nursing program.

“We’re proud of the support we have received from our esteemed Nursing faculty who worked alongside eLearn instructional designers to create an online curriculum that meets rigorous academic standards,” said Dr. Rena Sebor, Sinclair’s Dean of Health Sciences.
Sinclair’s BSN program is designed to empower RNs with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to deliver evidence-based and culturally responsive care, improving health, and preventing disease for individuals and committees.

“Being in this program has helped so much to provide a very strong foundation for me,” said Melaney Caylor, Sinclair BSN graduate and employee with Kettering Health. “Having more confidence in my skills has provided me more knowledge so that I can continue to grow.”

Aligned with Sinclair’s commitment to providing high-quality and affordable education, the BSN program meets the growing needs of healthcare employers across our region. In one year alone, it
is estimated Sinclair could fill 7% of the overall regional BSN gap. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) affirmed the quality of the program during a recent site visit.

“Sinclair is committed to our region’s healthcare needs, and with a 90% job placement rate in healthcare fields, we are confident that our graduates will continue to make a significant impact on the communities we serve,” said President and CEO Dr. Steve Johnson. “The trust our students place in us to help them achieve their academic and career goals is a testament to the quality of education provided at Sinclair.”

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