North Central State College (NCSC) is a two-year public institution serving communities across north central Ohio. The college offers high-quality technical education in more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs in fields such as health sciences, business, public service, and engineering technologies, as well as transfer options and customized workforce training programs. In partnership with Avita Health System, the college co-created a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program housed at the hospital, designed to support working adults.
Spotlight Feature
NCSC’s LPN training program was designed from the ground up by the North Central State College Foundation to meet the needs of Avita employees. On-site info sessions, flexible scheduling, shared tuition support, and customized wraparound services make it possible for Avita employees to upskill while continuing to work. The NCSC Foundation and workforce team lead recruitment, fundraising, and relationship building with hospital staff, making the program feel like a true extension of the workplace. Courses are held in the evenings to accommodate work schedules, and both the hospital and college share tuition costs.
Lessons Learned
- Strong partnerships start with listening. Rather than assume what the community needed, NCSC asked what workers wanted to learn — and built from there.
- Building trust takes presence. The college shows up year-round at hospital events, offering support, NCSC swag, and visible encouragement to employees.
- Alumni stories build belief. Hearing from graduates helps prospective students visualize their own success and overcome doubt.
Implementation Tips
Recruitment works best when it’s collaborative and personal. NCSC brings the college directly to the employer, shows up consistently, and invests in relationships that turn potential learners into proud graduates.
Shared presentations from hospital and college leaders demonstrate alignment, signal employer support, and ease learner concerns.
A hospital-based education coordinator ensures smooth communication and ongoing support for employees juggling work and school.
Avita covers partial tuition, and NCSC uses donor-backed scholarships to ensure that program-related costs, like uniforms and textbooks, don’t block access.
Outcomes
- $5,250
- Offered per year by Avita for students who work part-time while enrolled
- 5%
- Increase in new adult student enrollment in fall 2023, following the launch of the hospital-based LPN program
Next Steps
- Expand training programs in fields like radiology, respiratory care, and multi-licensed technician roles.
- Explore options for supporting non-patient-facing roles like IT and business operations.
- Offer RN programming as a next-level pathway for current LPN graduates.
Resources
The Project on Workforce at Harvard highlights workforce development opportunities at employer sites. Students are able to focus on upskilling with short-term professional development opportunities at employer partner sites. This resource is ideal for institutions looking to partner with local employers to expand access and success by offering workforce training programs where these learners work.
View the resource
