An online group dedicated to nursing career and education data has ranked Butler County Community College's associate degree nursing program as the third best value in the state out of 22 schools that met ranking qualifications.

Nursing Degree Search said 55 potential registered nurses graduated from BC3's Shaffer School of Nursing and Allied Health in 2019 with their associate degree, which makes them eligible to take the state certification test to be a certified registered nurse.

The average graduate earned a median annual salary of $54,400 and carried a monthly student loan payment of $134, according to Nursing Degree Search data.

A Nursing School Search news release on the ranking said BC3 is in the top 10% in the U.S. for associate degree nursing program value.

“BC3 could not have this ranking without offering a great value in nursing education,” the release said.

Patty Annear, dean of the Shaffer School of Nursing and Allied Health at BC3, said school officials are thrilled with the designation.

“This, to me, is exciting because our faculty works very, very hard to deliver a high quality nursing program, and to be recognized for that is an asset not only to the school, but to the community that it serves,” Annear said.

She said parents often comment on the cost of the nursing program at BC3 compared to other schools in the area.

“Some people would not have the opportunity to become a nurse if not for the value at BC3,” Annear said.

She said many of the students who graduate from BC3 and become certified RNs remain in Butler County to care for patients.

She named Butler Memorial Hospital, Concordia Lutheran Ministries and Allegheny Health Network as three popular employers for BC3 nursing graduates.

“This is a great thing for Butler County,” Annear said.

The college will add a one-year licensed practical nurse program by 2022, when the $18 million Victor K. Phillips Nursing and Allied Health building construction project is complete at the main campus.

For now, Annear is anticipating next year's ranking by Nursing Degree Search.

“We're looking forward to being No. 1,” she said.