Sinclair Community College Students Prepare to Make History as First to Pursue New Nursing Bachelor's Degree

A group of trailblazing students at Sinclair Community College will make history as the first to pursue the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Completion degree. This historic milestone marks a significant advancement in the institution's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable nursing education and addressing the growing need for qualified nurses in the healthcare field.

The inaugural group in Sinclair’s BSN completion program consists of more than 40 highly motivated students who are eager to embark on their journey to becoming compassionate and competent nurses. The BSN completion program at Sinclair allows nurses who graduated with an associate degree in nursing to take their career to the next step without leaving the workforce or taking on unnecessary debt.
 
From a young age, Melaney Caylor loved problem solving, learning, and caring for others. She chose nursing as a career and has never looked back. She graduated with an associate degree in nursing from Sinclair Community College in May of 2023, and is one of the first students in the new BSN Completion program. She is currently a critical care nurse who looks forward to growing her knowledge to better care for patients.

"I am eager to dive into the knowledge and skills this program offers, knowing I will be better equipped to make a real difference for my patients. As a problem solver, I'm energized by tackling challenges and finding solutions, especially when they directly impact people's lives. This is more than just a degree; it's a chance to combine my passion for critical thinking with my love for caring, and I can't wait to see where it leads."

Air Force veteran Phillip Henry is also among the first students pursuing the Sinclair BSN degree. He is currently a registered nurse (RN) at the Dayton VA Medical Center and is very familiar with Sinclair Community College.

“Completing my first nursing degree at Sinclair put me on the path to my dream job. I am working with veterans with a focus on mental health. The new BSN completion degree will allow me to continue my work, enhance my skills, and open doors for possible leadership positions in the field that I love,” said Henry. “Sinclair graduates have a stellar reputation in the healthcare community. We receive exceptional education and it’s affordable. I am looking forward to furthering my nursing career with Sinclair Community College.”

Sara Christopher is also familiar with Sinclair Community College, having completed the nursing associate degree program. A Sinclair BSN completion degree will support her efforts to become a functional nurse practitioner to help patients find the root cause of illnesses through traditional medicine and preventative techniques.

“My passion is nursing and through experience with chronic conditions, I want to be better prepared to help patients who have almost given up. Advancing my career as a functional nurse practitioner will help me do that. What drew me back to Sinclair is not only the affordability of a nursing bachelor’s degree, but the high-quality instructors. At Sinclair, the instructors are truly invested in their students and that is a huge draw as I take on this new challenge,” added Christopher.

Sinclair’s BSN Completion program is completely online. The program is tailored to allow currently employed Registered Nurses to complete their BSN while working, and many of them will be able to complete their practicum experiences at their places of employment. Sinclair will also provide one-on-one coaching for students. 

“Sinclair’s BSN Completion program will allow nurses who graduated with an associate degree in nursing to take their career to the next step without leaving the workforce or taking on unnecessary debt,” said Lynn Jenkins MSN, RN – Director – Sinclair Community College RN to BSN Completion Program. “There is a tremendous need for nurses locally and nationally. This program aligns with Sinclair’s mission to find the need and endeavor to meet it by providing an affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degree option so that students are better prepared to help meet the critical workforce needs.” 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% through the year 2032 with more than 193,000 openings projected each year. 

The nursing program at Sinclair Community College has been in existence since 1969 and has graduated more than 6,000 students. The first students in Sinclair’s BSN Completion program start classes on January 8, 2024. A second group will begin classes in Fall 2024. Up to 50 students will be admitted each fall and spring term. For the January start, there are still several openings in the program and applications are still being accepted. To learn more and apply, visit Sinclair.edu/Nursing.

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