Online ADN/ASN 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.
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
Registered Nurses
| 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
Showing 1 – 10 of 16 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Ranking the Top Online ADN Programs in Ohio
East Ohio College
Program Details
- Location: East Liverpool, OH
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 99%Students W/ Aid
- $6,203Avg. Aid Amount
- 11/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected East Ohio College
- Direct admission makes the Nursing ADN program accessible without a separate competitive entry process.
- Students can complete didactic coursework virtually while keeping hands-on labs and clinicals local.
- The program offers grants and scholarships, helping reduce the overall cost of attendance.
Program Details
- Location: East Liverpool, OH
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 99%Students W/ Aid
- $6,203Avg. Aid Amount
- 11/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 61%Students W/ Aid
- $7,843Avg. Aid Amount
- 9/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
- Priority clinical placement within the TriHealth system gives ADN students access to strong hands-on training opportunities.
- The college offers assistance with finding employment within TriHealth after graduation.
- Nursing Scholarship Program funding can cover tuition, required fees, books, and supplies in exchange for service.
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 61%Students W/ Aid
- $7,843Avg. Aid Amount
- 9/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Cuyahoga Community College District
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 66%Students W/ Aid
- $4,367Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cuyahoga Community College District
- Students earn a practical nursing certificate after year one, gaining early NCLEX-PN eligibility and credentials.
- The career-ladder structure offers seamless progression from nurse aide to LPN to RN, supporting long-term advancement.
- The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, enhancing licensure and employment prospects.
Program Details
- Location: Cleveland, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 66%Students W/ Aid
- $4,367Avg. Aid Amount
- 13/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Program Details
- Location: Canton, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 63%Students W/ Aid
- $9,591Avg. Aid Amount
- 11/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Aultman Health System employees and dependents can receive up to 20% tuition discounts, dramatically reducing ASN costs.
- The ASN program offers extensive hands-on clinical placements across Aultman Health System facilities, nursing homes, and diverse community agencies.
- Students benefit from strong financial support options, including institutional scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs that lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Program Details
- Location: Canton, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 63%Students W/ Aid
- $9,591Avg. Aid Amount
- 11/1Student/Faculty Ratio
ATA College-Cincinnati
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 83%Students W/ Aid
- $4,202Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected ATA College-Cincinnati
- The program’s 19‑month fast track ADN format lets motivated students enter RN practice sooner.
- Students complete multiple NCLEX-RN assessments before graduation, strengthening licensure exam readiness and confidence.
- A blended delivery model with some online courses offers added flexibility for working or nontraditional students.
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- ABHESAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 83%Students W/ Aid
- $4,202Avg. Aid Amount
- 15/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 36%Students W/ Aid
- $7,378Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Flexible non-consecutive study option lets students pause semesters to balance school, work, and life.
- Accelerated completion pathway allows students to finish the ADN program in as few as five semesters.
- Strong employer partnerships and clinical experiences provide real-world training that improves post-graduation job prospects and pay.
Program Details
- Location: Cincinnati, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 36%Students W/ Aid
- $7,378Avg. Aid Amount
- 10/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Fortis College-Centerville
Program Details
- Location: Centerville, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- NoCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 82%Students W/ Aid
- $7,455Avg. Aid Amount
- 7/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fortis College-Centerville
- The ADN program’s hybrid format blends flexible online coursework with hands-on, on-campus clinical training guided by experienced nurses.
- Students benefit from career services with locally knowledgeable advisors, robust job databases, and strong connections to local healthcare employers.
- Prospective RNs can earn their nursing diploma in just over two years, accelerating entry into the workforce.
Program Details
- Location: Centerville, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- NoCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 82%Students W/ Aid
- $7,455Avg. Aid Amount
- 7/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Washington State College of Ohio
Program Details
- Location: Marietta, OH
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 37%Students W/ Aid
- $5,521Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Washington State College of Ohio
- The ADN program offers multiple dedicated nursing scholarships, including full-ride awards covering tuition, fees, and books.
- Students can receive full in-state tuition specifically for the Associate Degree Nursing program through targeted ADN scholarships.
- Merit-based ADN scholarships support students through all semesters of the program, including LPN-to-ADN completion pathways.
Program Details
- Location: Marietta, OH
- NWCCUAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 37%Students W/ Aid
- $5,521Avg. Aid Amount
- 14/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls
Program Details
- Location: Cuyahoga Falls, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- NoCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 81%Students W/ Aid
- $7,455Avg. Aid Amount
- 31/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls
- Hybrid format combines flexible online coursework with hands-on campus training led by experienced nursing faculty.
- LPNs and LVNs can receive academic credit for prior education, accelerating ADN completion and career advancement.
- Students gain access to locally focused career services and established connections with nearby healthcare employers for job placement support.
Program Details
- Location: Cuyahoga Falls, OH
- ACCSCAccreditation
- NoCounseling Services
- PrivateSchool Type
- 81%Students W/ Aid
- $7,455Avg. Aid Amount
- 31/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Edison State Community College
Program Details
- Location: Piqua, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 54%Students W/ Aid
- $2,159Avg. Aid Amount
- 23/1Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Edison State Community College
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Program Details
- Location: Piqua, OH
- HLCAccreditation
- YesCounseling Services
- PublicSchool Type
- 54%Students W/ Aid
- $2,159Avg. Aid Amount
- 23/1Student/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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