February 2, 2026
Shawnee State University will begin offering its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the PACCAR Medical Education Center, located on the Adena Regional Medical Center campus in Chillicothe. The initiative brings one of SSU’s most in-demand academic programs directly to Ross County, providing a convenient option for students to pursue a career in nursing.
“By offering our BSN program at the PACCAR Medical Education Center, we are removing barriers for students in Ross County and neighboring areas who want a high-quality nursing education,” said Dr. Christine Raber, dean of the College of Health and Human Services. “This partnership with Adena Health reflects our shared commitment to strengthening health care in Southern Ohio.”
Students enrolled in the Chillicothe-based BSN pathway will learn in a modern health care education environment and complete clinical experiences within Adena. Adena employees will also have direct access to a pathway for earning a BSN, supported by employer tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
“Expanding access to nursing education is an important investment in the health of our community,” said Mike Diener, president of Adena Regional Medical Center. “By hosting Shawnee State University’s BSN program on our campus, we’re making it easier for students and Adena caregivers to pursue advanced education locally, while strengthening the care available to our region.”
Kimberley Dinsey-Read, director of SSU’s School of Nursing, said the expansion meets a growing need for flexible training options in the region.
“Our region needs more nurses, and offering the BSN pathway in Chillicothe allows students to stay close to home while preparing for a critical, high-demand career,” said Dinsey-Read. “By partnering with Adena, we’re able to give students meaningful clinical experiences and support the health care workforce our communities depend on.”
The new offering is part of SSU’s broader effort to support regional workforce development and expand access to high-demand programs across Southern Ohio.
The Baccalaureate Degree nursing program at Shawnee State University offered in Portsmouth, Ohio, and awaiting approval for an additional location in Chillicothe, Ohio, is accredited by the: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326 (404) 975-5000.
For more information on Shawnee State’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, visit shawnee.edu/bsn.