Understanding nursing pathways.

Overview

An education in nursing provides students with extensive opportunities for employment. The nursing program at COTC is designed to provide you with the necessary skills required for entry into the nursing profession. Graduates not only join the workforce and become productive upon graduation, but many continue their education to earn advanced degrees.

COTC strives to present students with all the information they need to make the right decision for their future. Learn more about our nursing pathway options: 

  • State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) Certificate

    • The STNA Certificate can be completed in one semester and is an entry point for many healthcare professionals. Students who want to apply to a selective nursing program must complete or have STNA certification.

    • Upon completion of this course, graduates are eligible to take the state nurse aide test and be placed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry.

  • Practical Nursing One-Year Certificate

    • The practical nursing certificate can be completed in three semesters (one calendar year). It is a selective healthcare program, so students must meet certain requirements before applying to the program.
    • Upon completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs). 

  • Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

    • The LPN to ADN program is for students who already hold licensure as LPNs and who want to continue their education and become registered nurses (RNs). The LPN to ADN program is a selective healthcare program, so students must meet certain requirements before applying to the program.

    • Upon completion, graduates received an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Technology and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become RNs. 
    • Students who complete the LPN to ADN program can continue their education to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). COTC has transfer agreements with multiple BSN programs.

  • Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)

    • The paramedic to ADN program is for students who already hold a paramedic certificate and who want to continue their education and become registered nurses (RNs). The paramedic to ADN program is a selective healthcare program, so students must meet certain requirements before applying to the program.

    • Upon completion, graduates received an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Technology and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become RNs. 
    • Students who complete the paramedic to ADN program can continue their education to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). COTC has transfer agreements with multiple BSN programs.

  • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

    • The ADN program is a full, two-year program. The ADN program is a selective healthcare program, so students must meet certain requirements before applying to the program. 

    • Upon completion, graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Technology and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become RNs. 
    • Students who complete the ADN program can continue their education to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). COTC has transfer agreements with multiple BSN programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which nursing pathway to choose? 

We encourage students to schedule an appointment with an admissions representative. An admissions representative can help answer questions students have about the nursing program and pathways to make an informed decision that is right for them.

What regulation and accreditation do the nursing programs at COTC have?

P​re-licensure nursing programs in Ohio are regulated by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Programs must meet and maintain the requirements of Ohio Administrative Code 4723-5. The mission of the Ohio Board of Nursing is to actively safeguard the health of the public through the effective regulation of nursing care (www.nursing.ohio.gov). The associate degree nursing (ADN) program and the practical nursing certificate program are fully approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and are offered at the Coshocton, Knox, Newark and Pataskala campuses.

Nursing education programs may voluntarily seek accreditation. National accreditation means that the program adheres to common standards of quality set by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation is intended to create a culture of continuous quality improvement of academic quality. 

In nursing, the purpose of accreditation is to ensure that nursing education programs across the United States are being held to common standards of quality. Accreditation may impact financial aid and may influence the transferability of credits if the graduate wishes to transfer to another college or pursue additional degrees. Read more at https://www.nursingcas.org/whats-the-deal-with-accreditation/.

COTC’s ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). 

How do I get started at COTC?

Help us learn more about you by visiting our Future Students webpage, then follow the COTC Steps to Enroll to get started. 

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Elizabeth Barnhart Award

Photo of Elizbeth Barnhart

The Elizabeth Barnhart Award for Nursing Excellence is presented to a graduating associate degree nursing student from the Newark campus who exemplifies the highest ideals of the nursing profession: intelligence, commitment, sacrifice, integrity and a compassionate connection to others.

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Nursing Program – Additional Information

Philosophy

The Department of Nursing embraces the college’s mission by preparing students to take nursing licensure examinations and by encouraging self-fulfillment through lifelong learning and service to others. The faculty of the Department of Nursing believe that nursing is both an art and a science — a caring profession with a continuously expanding body of knowledge. Through the use of evidence-based practice, nurses must strive to assist individuals, families and communities to achieve optimal functioning, consistent with the delivery of safe and effec