Students Reflect on Their Journey Through North Central State College’s LPN to RN Program

North Central State College offers a special opportunity for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to advance their careers through its LPN to RN articulation program. This two-year program allows students to build on their previous experience as LPNs and become Registered Nurses (RNs), opening the door to more responsibilities, higher salaries, and new career opportunities.

Three students—Sheena Frontz, Sylvia Rathburn, and Elizabeth Sanders—recently shared their experiences in the program and how it has impacted their professional lives.
Sheena Frontz, who earned her LPN through the Air Force 16 years ago, said the RN program at North Central helped her understand the reasoning behind many of the skills and procedures she’s used for years.

“In the LPN program, they teach you ‘this is what happens, so do this,’ but not a lot of the why,” Sheena said. “A lot of lightbulbs went off for me—it was like, ‘Oh, that makes more sense as to why we do this now.’” She currently works at the OhioHealth Emergency Room.

Sylvia Rathburn, who completed her LPN at North Central two years ago, agreed. “It was like putting things together,” she said. “With cardiac, you don’t just see the rhythm—you know what it is and why it’s happening. The RN program goes way more in-depth.”

Sylvia also praised the financial support and opportunities provided through North Central’s partnership with OhioHealth. “I get tuition reimbursement through the hospital and the North Central State College Foundation scholarship,” she explained. “It was a great opportunity for me to level up in my career from LPN to RN without the cost.”

Elizabeth Sanders, who became an LPN in 2020 through the Wayne County Career Center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, said her transition was unique. “My LPN was online because of COVID. It was a lot of learning on my own, so when I got to North Central, it really helped me put everything together,” said Elizabeth, who now works in Labor and Delivery at Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg.

All three students agreed that the simulation labs at North Central State College played a major role in their learning. “You can talk about it all day, but until you actually do it—like giving compressions and meds—that’s how I learn,” said Sylvia. “The simulation labs are true-to-life.”
Sheena added, “That’s where I have learned the most.”

The program not only offers real-world training but also dedicated instructors. “I love the instructors,” Sylvia said. “They are doing a great job and making sure we understand what they’re teaching and that we are prepared for whatever comes our way on the job.”

North Central’s LPN to RN program is part of an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing. It combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Students must meet admission criteria, such as maintaining a certain GPA and completing prerequisite courses.