Online ADN Programs in Ohio: Exploring Top Schools
A hybrid/online associate degree program in nursing (ADN) is a great way for Ohio students to enter this fast-growing field. Many students across Ohio use online ADNs to take their first steps toward becoming a registered nurse. Learn how these programs work, how to get in, what it takes to graduate, and what you can make once you’re working.
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Inside Online ADN Programs in Ohio
An Ohio-based online associate degree in nursing (ADN) program offers a convenient way to prepare for RN licensure, but it’s important to understand how these programs work before applying. Key points to keep in mind include:
- In-person requirements: ADN programs cannot be completed fully online and include on-campus labs and hands-on clinical rotations at approved healthcare facilities.
- Online learning formats: Didactic coursework may be delivered synchronously, with scheduled live sessions, or asynchronously, allowing you to complete lessons on your own time.
- Program expectations: Admissions standards, costs, and completion timelines vary by school and should be reviewed carefully.
Below, we spotlight three online ADN programs in Ohio to give you a clear picture of what to expect as you compare your options.
East Ohio College
East Ohio College allows you to complete the didactic components of the curriculum for their Online/Hybrid Nursing Program online while also requiring students to travel to campus regularly for laboratory work.
Once coursework has been completed, students move on to clinical experiences that are completed at Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Youngstown, Boardman Hospitals, or Trinity Medical Center West or East.
The clinical experiences are designed to reinforce the coursework you’ve taken and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam, giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a community of nurses in Ohio to truly understand the work they do.
East Ohio College is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) and its degree programs are authorized by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools.
Duration: 18 months
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $23,970/academic year
Admissions Requirements:
- Meet with an admissions counselor
- Apply to the program
- Successfully complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam
Curriculum:
The curriculum covers five categories of essential nursing skills:
- Procedural and emergency skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Interprofessional skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Technology skills
Full details on skills gained can be found on the program website.
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Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Community College’s 64-credit Nursing AAS program offers a blended format track that combines:
- Online lectures, seminars, discussion groups, videos, other learning activities
- In-person laboratory practice (campus-based)
- Clinical experiences (at local medical facilities)
- Some hands-on seminars.
Blended track students complete the same activities and tests as on-campus students. However, blended track students are expected to be highly motivated so they can effectively work independently throughout the rigorous program.
Duration: 18 months (5 semesters)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $192.93/credit (in-state); $394.59/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- A 2.6 grade point average or an ACT composite score of at least 18
- Complete nursing prerequisite courses
- Complete the Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) Admission Assessment (A2) Exam with at least a 75 score
Curriculum:
- Fundamental Concepts of Nursing Care
- First Year Experience Seminar
- Basic Care Skills
- Human Anatomy
- Pharmacology Concepts in Nursing
- Concepts of Nursing Care Related to Health Problems
- Human Physiology
- Introduction to Psychology
- Human Growth and Development Over the Life Span
- Leadership and Nursing Care Multiple Health Problems
- Microbiology
- Additional general education courses/electives
Full curriculum information available in the program website.
Rhodes State College
The 65-credit Nursing AAS Degree program at Rhodes State College combines online and in-person training to give students a holistic view of the nursing field.
When on campus, students have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art simulators that give them a further understanding of course materials and a sense of what nurses do throughout the day. They additionally prepare students for the challenges of the clinical experience in a healthcare facility that they are required to complete.
Successful degree completion requires maintaining a minimum 2.0 grade point average throughout the program. A maximum of 108 students is admitted every fall and spring semester.
The AAS program is accredited by the ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Duration: 2 years, plus one prerequisite semester
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $195/credit (in-state); $390/credit (out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- High score on the ACT
- Complete prerequisite classes with at least a C grade
- CPR training
- Complete a criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
- Pathophysiology for Healthcare
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Adult Health
- Care of Childbearing Family
- Principles of Nutrition
- Pharmacology for Nursing
- Psychosocial Nursing
- Microbiology
- Essentials of Nurse Practice
- Additional general education coursework
Full curriculum information available on the program website.
Ohio ADN Student FAQs
As you explore your online ADN program options, you’re likely to have questions of your own about program details, RN licensure, and more. To help you out, here are the answers to five commonly-asked questions by prospective online ADN students in Ohio.
Is financial aid available to help me fund my ADN program in Ohio?
Yes. The school you choose for your ADN education will recommend you apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This allows you to access several federal funding resources, including lower-interest loans that qualify for federal incentives like student loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans.
Other non-federal funding opportunities include:
- Scholarships and grants
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Tuition discounts
- Student loans
- Tuition deferment and installment options
Examples of school-sponsored financial aid resources include:
- East Ohio College which offers general scholarships as well as awards specifically for nursing students.
- Rhodes State College which offers funding based on student academic performance and financial background.
Should an ADN program be accredited?
Absolutely. In fact, ensuring that a nursing school is accredited should be one of your first priorities in your program search. Accreditation is your way of knowing that the program you choose meets important standards of academic quality.
U.S.-based ADN nursing programs leading to RN licensure and employment are accredited by:
- Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Will I be required to complete a clinical experience during an ADN program?
Yes. All nursing programs that prepare students for RN licensure include in-person clinical experiences typically attended at program-approved medical facilities in the student’s or school’s local area. These experiences are critical to providing students with hands-on nursing practice in applying the concepts and skills learned in the classroom.
Medical facilities in which clinical experiences are commonly offered include:
- Hospitals
- Medical Clinics
- Long-term care facilities
- Elder care homes
When considering specific ADN programs, look closely at their community partnerships and clinical placement programs as this will make it much easier to fulfill the clinical graduation requirement.
Do I need to pass an exam to get a nursing license?
Yes. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is the exam you must pass before starting your practice as a registered nurse. Passing the NCLEX-RN ensures your ability to provide safe, effective, and equitable care in real-world healthcare settings.
When exploring potential online ADN programs in Ohio, be sure to consider:
- NCLEX-RN pass rates
- Access to school-provided exam prep courses, study sessions, and practice exams
To learn more about preparing for the NCLEX-RN, be sure to check out EduMed’s beginner’s guide to the NCLEX exam.
Do I need to take continuing education to maintain my nursing license?
Yes. In order to maintain your Ohio RN license, the Ohio Board of Nursing requires a renewal every 2 years which includes completion of 24 continuing education (CE) credit hours. At least one CE credit hour must be directly related to the Ohio Nurse Practice Act and administrative rules.
License renewal additionally requires payment of a renewal fee (currently $65.)
ADN Salaries in Ohio
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 |
| Akron, OH | $66,980 | $80,770 | $101,210 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $66,470 | $79,610 | $103,190 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $67,820 | $83,650 | $107,190 |
| Cleveland, OH | $75,020 | $83,940 | $108,120 |
| Columbus, OH | $67,720 | $83,900 | $105,770 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $71,180 | $82,510 | $103,230 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $62,810 | $81,010 | $124,650 |
| Lima, OH | $64,090 | $81,440 | $97,350 |
| Mansfield, OH | $62,580 | $81,300 | $101,450 |
| Sandusky, OH | $65,730 | $81,310 | $97,030 |
| Springfield, OH | $60,760 | $80,060 | $98,330 |
| Toledo, OH | $67,810 | $81,050 | $103,210 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $62,070 | $77,400 | $91,170 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $60,260 | $78,280 | $107,410 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $63,290 | $78,680 | $97,680 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025, BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Ohio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,198 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Mercy College of Ohio
- The ADN evening/weekend program offers flexible class schedules outside traditional work hours, ideal for students balancing work or family responsibilities.
- Students benefit from Mercy College's partnership with Mercy Health, providing excellent clinical placement opportunities and career advancement within a premier healthcare system.
- The program allows enrollment in prerequisite and general education courses across multiple semesters (fall, spring, summer), offering continuous and adaptable progression toward the nursing degree.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $9,198 Avg. Aid Amount
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,659 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
- Ohio University Zanesville’s ADN program includes a three-semester LPN-to-RN advanced placement track, enabling licensed practical nurses to accelerate degree completion.
- The program features dedicated simulation suites and nursing skills labs with hospital beds and high-fidelity mannequins for hands-on, realistic clinical practice.
- Clinical education occurs at hospitals and community agencies near campus, fostering strong local healthcare partnerships and practical experience in diverse settings.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,659 Avg. Aid Amount
- 35% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,978 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Lorain County Community College
- The ADN program offers advanced placement and prior learning credit to LPNs and paramedics, accelerating their pathway to RN licensure.
- Lorain County Community College maintains articulation agreements with universities through its University Partnership, enabling seamless transfer and continued education.
- The program emphasizes patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and inter-professional collaboration to prepare graduates for quality, team-based health care delivery.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,978 Avg. Aid Amount
- 41% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 14/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,704 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Belmont College
- The ADN program at Belmont College features small class sizes in lectures, labs, and clinical courses, enabling more personalized, intensive learning experiences.
- The program is taught by highly experienced nursing faculty with expertise across diverse specialties such as medical-surgical nursing, mental health, critical care, and pediatrics.
- Students benefit from clinical training at local healthcare facilities under close supervision of qualified instructors, supported by a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center with advanced simulation labs.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,704 Avg. Aid Amount
- 40% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,287 Avg. Aid Amount
- 27% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Stark State College
- Stark State College’s ADN program offers day and evening/weekend class options, providing flexibility for students balancing work and life commitments.
- The program features clinical placements at Mercy Medical, with reserved seats for Mercy employees, enhancing hands-on experience and strong employer partnerships.
- Instructors possess a minimum of a Master's degree and many are actively working in the nursing field, ensuring expert, current faculty guidance throughout the program.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,287 Avg. Aid Amount
- 27% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,310 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Shawnee State University
- Shawnee State University's ADN program offers nursing scholarships ranging from $1,500 up to full tuition upon acceptance, making the program financially accessible.
- The program boasts over 30 years of producing quality nurses with strong community, regional, and national healthcare facility connections.
- The ADN program is fully approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, ensuring high educational standards.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $4,310 Avg. Aid Amount
- 36% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Kent State University at Tuscarawas
New Philadelphia, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,796 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Kent State University at Tuscarawas
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Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,796 Avg. Aid Amount
- 44% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 20/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,653 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Rio Grande
- The Rio Salado ADN program offers a flexible, online Nursing Start course bundle that allows healthcare employees to complete prerequisite nursing courses at their own pace with comprehensive support.
- The program’s courses are taught by masters- and doctoral-level healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality instruction and faculty expertise.
- Rio Salado provides personalized student support through Success Coaches who assist with admissions, enrollment, and academic questions, enhancing student success and retention.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $5,653 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cincinnati, OHProgram Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,652 Avg. Aid Amount
- 26% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Cincinnati State's ADN program allows completion in as little as 2 years (5 semesters), enabling quick entry into the nursing workforce.
- The program features small class sizes and is taught by dedicated nursing professionals who provide personalized attention and support.
- It offers a seamless nursing pathway from LPN to RN to BSN, giving students clear, flexible options for advancing their nursing education locally.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $2,652 Avg. Aid Amount
- 26% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,684 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Sinclair Community College
- Sinclair’s ADN program offers advanced placement options for Licensed Practical Nurses and individuals with military training, enabling faster progression through the curriculum with articulated credits and waived courses.
- The program boasts a strong reputation and high graduate success rate, supported by faculty deeply invested in student success and adaptable to student feedback.
- Graduates are well-prepared to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and receive comprehensive clinical experience in diverse community healthcare settings, enhancing job readiness.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- $1,684 Avg. Aid Amount
- 32% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 15/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College 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*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 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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