Nursing Programs at Lakeland

Lakeland's RN Nursing Program prepares you to become part of a tradition of healers and caretakers, bringing skills, professionalism and knowledge to their patients. You bring your heart, compassion and intellect to the profession and when you combine that with the first-rate education you'll receive at Lakeland, you become a valuable member of our health care community.

Nursing - The Art of Caring

The art of caring is the essence of nursing practice and the foundation of the Lakeland Nursing Program. This caring philosophy of nursing is based on the Greek concept of Caritas implying a commitment to ideals outside of oneself. True caring is manifested by attainment of the qualities of competence, professionalism, altruism and growth.

Upon graduation, you'll take part in the traditional nursing pinning ceremony. The Lakeland Community College nursing pin carries the college seal, which depicts the Lakeland coat of arms with a shield, two open books and three narrow, wavy bars designating "a deposit from the lake" (Lakeland). The honor of receiving this pin recognizes your journey and symbolizes the transformation from student to nurse. It unites you with fellow nurses across time and space who have also dedicated themselves to serving the health needs of others.

How long does it take to get a nursing degree?

An associate degree in nursing at Lakeland typically takes about two years to complete if you attend full time. Students are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, a national exam, after graduation.

Most four-year colleges also accept credits from Lakeland's nursing program for those who decide to pursue more education after attending Lakeland.

What degree do you need to become a nurse?

Some students set the bar high for themselves and want to move fast, so they'll go with the option for dual enrollment with Ursuline College's Breen School of Nursing. With this, you'd take courses concurrently at both Lakeland and Ursuline programs, saving a lot of time and money.

Ask your admissions counselor about enrolling in the RN to BSN degree program with Ursuline College right here on campus at Lakeland's Holden University Center.

2-year vs. 4-year nursing degree salaries

Nurses can get a job with an associate or a bachelor's degree. Salary ranges vary depening on your degree level. Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website for more information on nursing salaries in Ohio and in the country.

RN Requirements

There are three ways to become an RN nursing student at Lakeland, depending on where you are on your educational journey.

Here's the breakdown of options:

  • Option 1 – You're a new high school grad or recently graduated within the last two years.
  • Option 2 – You're a current college student at Lakeland or elsewhere.
  • Option 3 – You already have a an Associate of Science or bachelor's degree.
  • Option 4 –  You are already a licensed practical nurse.

If you haven't already, apply to Lakeland and go through the process to be ready to register for classes.

We are currently accepting new students for spring 2025.

To be considered for acceptance into the program*, complete the following courses.

  • BIOL 2210 (pass with grade "B" or higher)+
  • ENGL 1110 (pass with grade "C" or higher)
  • FYEX 1000 (pass with grade "C" or higher – note: for high school Option 1 only)
  • MATH 1330 or MATH 1550 (pass with grade "C" or higher)+
  • PSYC 1500 (pass with grade "C" or higher)

Once you complete these, you can apply to Lakeland's Nursing-RN Program to request a spot in the next cohort. Some students may have high school or other college credit that may fulfill these requirements. To see if you have prior credits that may be counted, make an appointment with an academic counselor at 440.525.7200 to map out your degree plan.

*Note: You must be formally accepted into the nursing program in order to take the nursing courses.

+ Note: No more than two attempts allowed to achieve required grade.

Lakeland nursing education benefits
  • World-class, modern learning facility -  complete with simulation and hospital style environments. Area health systems value Lakeland students because they know students are prepared with modern, high-quality, industry-grade equipment.
  • Dedicated nursing tutors – students can seek additional help outside the classroom with on-campus professional tutors who are RNs.
  • Community service -  Students can participate in community volunteer opportunities to further enhance their education. In this example, our Lakeland nursing student is in photo #12.
  • Teachers in excellence - All full-time faculty are professionally prepared at the master's degree level or above. They stand ready and dedicated to teach and mentor you to become our community's future health care professionals. Faculty are active in many professional endeavors including participation in professional organizations, and involvement in continuing education activities.
  • Exam-ready - Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination which is required for licensure to practice nursing in the state of Ohio. Lakeland nursing students have consistently surpassed the national average for pass rates for the past five years.
  • Financially smart - Earning a Lakeland nursing degree is accessible and affordable compared with similar programs in the area. Most students graduate with little to no debt by earning their degrees at Lakeland. Although nursing is considered one of the best jobs without a bachelor's degree, all students are encouraged to further their education. Starting at Lakeland and then transferring to a bachelor's program can save you thousands of dollars!

If you're ready to join in the tradition of Lakeland nurses, make an appointment with an academic counselor at 440.525.7200 to see how you can get started.

Accreditation

Approved by:
Ohio Board of Nursing
17 South High St., Suite 660
Columbus, OH 43215-7410
614.466.3947
http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/

The Associate Degree nursing program at Lakeland Community College located in Kirtland, Ohio is accredited by the:
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
404.975.5000
The most recent decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the Associate Degree nursing program is continuing accreditation.

 

 
For Currently Enrolled Students

Layce Artman I graduated with my associate degree from Lakeland while at the same time graduating as Valedictorian from high school. I plan to attend the Holden University Center to complete my bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Layce Artman College Credit Plus

Michelle Timms One thing I really love about Lakeland and being in the honors program is that the teachers have small classes and they are very devoted to their students. My friends at four-year institutions are taking the same intro classes that I am, but in large lecture halls with a lot more students. Michelle Timms Associate of Arts

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