Top Online RN to MSN Programs in Ohio (OH)
If you’re a registered nurse looking to move up, earning your MSN could be the best next step. Online and hybrid RN to MSN programs in Ohio offer a convenient and affordable way to specialize and advance. Learn how bridge programs work, how long they take, and how much you could earn after graduation.
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Reviewing Online RN to MSN Programs in Ohio
In Ohio, only two schools offer fully online, accredited RN-to-MSN programs. These programs are designed with working nurses in mind and may allow relevant professional experience to count toward certain clinical requirements. Because RN-to-MSN bridge programs are relatively uncommon (and fully online nursing graduate programs even more so) these are the only accredited options of their kind currently available in the state.
Below, we spotlight these two online programs, along with a high-quality in-person RN-to-MSN option to help you compare pathways. In the program profiles that follow, you’ll find details on:
- Program format and delivery
- Admission requirements
- Clinical or practicum expectations
- Specialization options
Explore the programs below to see which option may be the best fit for your education and career goals.
Franklin University
Franklin University’s fully online RN to MSN program offers more opportunities for specialization than any other program in Ohio. Students seeking to focus on areas such as family nursing, adult gerontology, or psychiatric nursing have ample opportunities to gain relevant knowledge and skills. This RN-to-MSN program offers flexible scheduling for working nurses.
Notably, there is no clinical component to this program. Since students are already working as nurses, their work on the job can count as their clinical time rather than having to juggle another time commitment. This RN-to-MSN program at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $298/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Current, unencumbered nursing license
Curriculum: Below is the curriculum for the Generalist specialization; however, the school offers specializations in Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator.
- Essentials of Professional Nursing (Bridge Course)
- Role of the Master’s Prepared Nurse
- Population Focused Care
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Health Policy
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement
- MSN Capstone
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Mercy College
Private Catholic nursing institution Mercy College’s online RN-to-MSN program is designed for working nurses, particularly those with prior nursing education who can enter the program with transfer credit. The program offers two different “pathways,” and which is best for you will depend on your prior academic and work experience.
Once enrolled, you will be studying advanced nursing topics, including healthcare policy, pharmacology, and evidence-based nursing, as well as nurse leadership and nursing education. The program concludes with two practicum courses and two capstones in education and leadership.
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $675/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (2.0 or higher on their Pathway 2 option)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Professional CV or resume
Curriculum:
- Transitions in Professional Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Population Health Assessment
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Current Issues in Nursing
- RN to MSN Bridge Course
- Theoretical Foundations for Professional Nursing
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Policy in the Global Community
- Population-Based Healthcare
- Informatics and Healthcare Technologies
- Leadership and Strategic Management for Advanced Nursing Roles
- Healthcare Systems and Organization for Nurse Leaders
- Strategic Management of Human Resources
- Financial Management in Healthcare
- Leadership Capstone
- Leadership Practicum
- Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education
- Advanced Nursing Curriculum Design
- Evaluating Methods in Nursing Education
- Integrated Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacology
- Education Capstone
- Education Practicum
Ursuline College
Ursuline College’s RN to MSN program is one of the top in-person programs in Ohio. In 2021, the National League for Nursing named the college one of 10 Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education nationwide.
Additionally, the school partners with top Cleveland hospitals for student clinicals and boasts a world-class faculty. There are five specializations to choose from: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Ursuline’s student-centered approach paid off in 2019, with every graduate of Ursuline’s RN program passing the NCLEX. The school also consistently boasts a 100% post-licensure job placement rate. Additionally, the program is accredited by the CCNE and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Mode: In-person/Hybrid
Cost: $360 – $1,274/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Valid and current nursing license
- $25 application fee
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts
Curriculum:
- Basic Nutrition
- Bioethics
- Lifespan Development
- Pathophysiologic Foundations for Nursing Practice
- Foundations of Holistic Nursing Practice
- Holistic Nursing Practice: Health Assessment of the Adult
- Professional Nursing Practice with Adults
- Professional Nursing Practice for Childbearing and Childrearing Families
- Professional Nursing Practice with Populations
- Integrated Professional Nursing Practice
- Professional Nursing Practice for Persons with Complex Psychiatric Needs
- Professional Nursing Practice for Critically Ill Adults
- Health Care Informatics
- Advance Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration
- Health Care Policies
- Health Care Organization and Finance
- Advanced Practice Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
FAQs on Ohio RN to MSN Online Programs
It’s natural to have a few questions before applying for or beginning your RN to MSN program. In fact, most students in your position do. To that end, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions for RN-to-MSN students and their answers.
Can I earn my MSN in Ohio completely online?
You sure can. Unlike many online programs, both of Ohio’s online RN-to-MSN programs can be completed 100% online and don’t require in-person clinical experiences, labs, or exams.
Since the RN to MSN programs at Franklin University and Mercy College are geared toward working nurses, you’ll constantly be applying your new knowledge and skills on the job. Exemptions from in-person campus visits and clinicals reduce stress for students balancing work, school, and other responsibilities.
Do employers in Ohio accept graduates from online RN to MSN programs?
Yes. Since Ohio’s online RN-to-MSN programs are accredited, employers can be sure that the quality of your online education is on par with that of students who attended in-person programs. Your choice to attend school online won’t limit your potential to advance your career.
However, you may want to do some in-person networking alongside your online education to grow your professional network as you prepare to apply for advanced nursing jobs.
How do I go from being an RN to an MSN nurse in Ohio once I’ve completed my program?
If you complete your MSN degree and possess an Ohio nursing license, you’re ready to work as an advanced practice nurse in Ohio. If you don’t have your Ohio license, you’ll need to submit the following:
- Your NCLEX exam scores
- Nursing licensure by examination application
- A $75 application fee
- A program completion letter from your school
- A clean background check
The Ohio Board of Nursing provides all the information you need to prepare your application for a new license or renewal.
How much more does an MSN nurse make in Ohio?
Because your MSN degree creates options for specialization, you’ll be eligible for higher-paying positions. As of October 2022, the average RN in Ohio earns $53,368 annually; by comparison, an MSN nurse in Ohio earns $156,243. Some higher-earning specialties for MSN nurses in Ohio include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. Salaries for nurses in these areas range from $112,490 to $187,410.
What’s the job market like for registered nurses with an MSN in Ohio?
Once you finish your program, you’ll have plenty of career opportunities to consider. The demand for MSN nurses, particularly nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, is exploding nationwide, and the demand for MSN nurses is expected to grow by over 35% by 2034. Demand for MSN nurses in Ohio is expected to match this national demand, and state predictions are for a 40% growth in nurse practitioner positions by 2034.
Ohio RN vs. MSN: Salary & Career Prospects
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Ohio | $101,400 | $123,690 | $152,040 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Best Online RN to MSN Bridge Programs in Ohio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Walsh University
- Walsh University’s RN to MSN Bridge program offers comprehensive clinical placement services with a dedicated coordinator to secure clinical sites and preceptors, ensuring strong hands-on training opportunities.
- The program features 100% online coursework paired with flexible part-time options and accelerated completion, allowing students to earn their MSN-FNP degree in as few as two years while continuing to work.
- Students benefit from personalized faculty mentorship, including one-on-one preceptor experiences during clinical rotations, fostering close support and professional networking within the nursing community.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Capital University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Capital University offers a Fast Track option allowing academically excellent students (GPA 3.5+) to take graduate nursing courses during their undergraduate study, accelerating degree completion and reducing total time in school.
- Students benefit from small class sizes capped at 20, fostering personalized faculty interaction and a close-knit learning community that supports networking and mentorship opportunities.
- The MSN curriculum includes over 360 hours of field experience designed to provide practical, real-world clinical preparation that enhances job readiness and professional competence.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 61% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 10/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Franklin University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program features a 12-week online bridge course that enables ADN or diploma-prepared nurses to enter the MSN program directly, saving significant time and tuition compared to earning a BSN first.
- Students benefit from learning under experienced, in-field nursing practitioners who provide specialized guidance in contemporary nursing topics, leadership, and healthcare policy.
- Franklin University offers accelerated and affordable pathways with streamlined curricula and tuition discounts, alongside scholarships and employer partnerships to reduce costs and support students financially.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 30% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mount St. Joseph University
- The RN to MSN Bridge program at Mount Saint Joseph University offers an accelerated pathway that allows RNs with a non-nursing bachelor's degree to complete their MSN efficiently without earning a BSN first.
- The program provides specialized career tracks focused on advanced nursing roles such as Nurse Educator and Nurse Leader, enabling students to tailor their education to specific professional goals.
- Students benefit from flexible, fully online coursework designed to accommodate working nurses’ schedules, making it accessible and manageable alongside a full-time nursing career.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 52% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ursuline College
- Ursuline College’s RN to MSN program offers small class sizes ensuring personalized one-on-one attention in a virtual learning environment, fostering close connections with faculty and peers.
- The Breen School of Nursing at Ursuline is a national Center of Excellence designated by the National League for Nursing, and its MSN program is ranked #41 nationally and #3 in Ohio by U.S. News & World Report.
- Applicants can expect an accelerated admissions decision timeline, receiving a response within two weeks after applying online, facilitating faster entry into the program.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Case Western Reserve University
- Case Western Reserve University's RN to MSN Bridge program offers a hybrid format with distance-friendly coursework combined with approximately 600 clinical hours, minimizing campus visits and accommodating working professionals.
- The program provides specialized advanced practice tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, allowing students to align education with targeted career goals.
- Flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options enable students to complete the program in as little as 18 months, supporting accelerated degree completion tailored to individual schedules.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 84% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 9/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online Bridge Graduate Program Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for graduate students studying full-time.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of graduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
*Metrics #1-2 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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