May 4, 2026
In recognition of National Nurses Month, prospective nursing students in the Chillicothe and surrounding areas now have a local path to a nursing degree. Shawnee State University, in partnership with Adena Health, has officially opened applications for the nursing program at Adena's PACCAR Medical Education Center, with the first cohort of 20 students set to begin in Spring 2027. The application deadline is October 1, 2026.
The program is designed for students who want to pursue a nursing career without leaving their community. Beginning in Spring 2027, accepted students will complete foundational coursework locally. Nursing-specific courses begin in Spring 2028, with projected graduation in Fall 2030.
Various clinical training opportunities are embedded directly within Adena's health system, giving students hands-on experience in the hospitals and care settings where many of them will ultimately build their careers.
"A nursing degree equips future nurses with the scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and leadership abilities needed to excel in today's healthcare environment," said Kim Dinsey-Read, Ph.D., MSN, MBA, RN, Director of Nursing and Associate Professor in SSU's School of Nursing. "Over four years, students study everything from anatomy and pathophysiology to psychology, community health, and nursing leadership. They also complete extensive clinical rotations in hospitals and community agencies, caring for patients across the lifespan. This degree opens the door to specialized nursing roles, leadership opportunities, and graduate-level education."
The Chillicothe program mirrors the structure of SSU's successful Portsmouth-based program, which has trained nurses for southern Ohio for years. Adena employees seeking to advance their careers will also have access to educational opportunities through the partnership.
“The connection between education and practice is what makes this program so impactful,”
said Megan Isley, Chief Nursing and Quality Executive at Adena Health. “By combining classroom learning with real-world clinical experience, students will build the confidence, skills, and compassion that define exceptional nursing, supported by experienced care teams.”
With thousands of nursing positions projected to go unfilled in Ohio alone, programs like this one are critical to keeping the regional workforce strong and to honoring the next generation of nurses this month and every month. For students in the Chillicothe area, the choice no longer has to be between a nursing career and staying close to home.
"This is what it looks like when higher education meets a community's needs head-on. National Nurses Month is a time to celebrate the nurses who have shaped our communities and to make bold investments in the ones who are coming next,” said Eric Braun, EdD, President of Shawnee State University. “Students in this region will no longer have to choose between pursuing a nursing career and staying close to home. That changes everything."
The application deadline for the first Chillicothe cohort is October 1, 2026. The first cohort is limited to 20 students. To learn more about admission requirements and to apply, visit www.shawnee.edu/adena.