Hamilton County, OH – Today marks the opening of a new nursing skills lab at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. The 2,000-square-foot facility is part of a $1.5 million grant from County Commissioners aimed at expanding the college's nursing pathway program. This expansion will create over 100 additional openings each year for students aspiring to become nurse aids (STNAs), practical nurses (LPNs), and registered nurses (RNs and BSNs).
The initiative also includes scholarships funded by the grant, set to benefit more than 50 underrepresented students from Hamilton County over two years. These students are categorized as Pell-eligible, people of color, first-generation college attendees, or others with low representation in higher education.
The region faces a significant shortage of nurses. According to the Health Collaborative's recent data, there is an 11.1% vacancy rate for full-time registered nurses in regional hospitals, translating to about 970 open positions. The vacancy rates for LPNs and STNAs are 8.9% and 13.7%, respectively.
Commission President Alicia Reece commented on the initiative: "This investment in nursing education at Cincinnati State is a critical step towards addressing the shortage of nurses in our community and ensuring that everyone has access to quality care."
Commissioner Denise Driehaus added: "The new nursing skills lab at Cincinnati State will provide students with the hands-on experience they need to succeed in this demanding field."
Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas emphasized the impact on diversity: "By supporting Cincinnati State's nursing programs, we are not only addressing the nursing shortage but also creating opportunities for talented and dedicated students from all backgrounds."
Cincinnati State offers a comprehensive nursing education pathway within one location, which includes an RN-to-BSN Bachelor of Science in Nursing option. It stands out as one of the most affordable choices for nursing education in the region, with graduates achieving high licensure test passing rates.
Dr. Monica Posey, President of Cincinnati State, expressed gratitude: “We are so appreciative of the vision and leadership the Commissioners have shown in making this new skills lab possible.”
Collaborative partners include The Health Collaborative, Closing the Healthcare Gap, and the Black Nurses Association of Greater Cincinnati. This project receives support through federal award number 21.027 awarded to Hamilton County by the U.S. Department of Treasury.