Your Guide to Online Nursing Programs in Ohio
Review Ohio’s best online and campus programs that have the quality, flexibility and affordability you need to reach your nursing education and career goals.
Whether you’re just starting out on your nursing journey or you’re a current nurse ready to advance to the next stage of your career, there’s a nursing school in Ohio that can meet your needs. This guide provides a great starting point for finding the nursing program in Ohio that’s best suited for you, from traditional campus BSN programs to online bridge programs that can take you from RN to MSN.
You’ll find profiles of our top-ranked schools, a breakdown of the different types of nursing programs offered by Ohio colleges, ideas for where to get financial aid, details about the RN licensing process in Ohio, and much more. Keep scrolling to learn more about nursing schools in Ohio and find your program match.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Public
Kent State University at Kent
Kent, Ohio
Public
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Canton, Ohio
Private
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Public
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Public
Wright State University
Dayton, Ohio
Public
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
Private
Ohio University-Eastern Campus
Saint Clairsville, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Southern Campus
Ironton, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Zanesville Campus
Zanesville, Ohio
Public
Cedarville University
Cedarville, Ohio
Private
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus
Lancaster, Ohio
Public
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus
Chillicothe, Ohio
Public
Miami University-Hamilton
Hamilton, Ohio
Public
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown, Ohio
Public
Kent State University at Salem
Salem, Ohio
Public
Ursuline College
Pepper Pike, Ohio
Private
Kent State University at Trumbull
Warren, Ohio
Public
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio
Public
Lourdes University
Sylvania, Ohio
Private
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio
Public
Kettering College
Kettering, Ohio
Private
Defiance College
Defiance, Ohio
Private
Notre Dame College
Cleveland, Ohio
Private
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, Ohio
Public
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Common Qualities of the Best Nursing Schools in Ohio
With the changing healthcare needs in Ohio, graduating from a top-quality program with an advanced nursing degree is necessary for career advancement. Common qualities of the best nursing programs and schools in Ohio include national accreditation and state-approval, program variety, and some level of flexibility.
- Nationally Accredited and State Approved
Perhaps the most important quality in a nursing school is national accreditation and state approval. Qualified teachers, quality programs, and solid clinical training are requirements for ACEN and CCNE accreditation as well as for state approval. These standards are also imperative for preparing for the NCLEX-RN and obtaining your RN license. - Variety
Variety involves going beyond single BSN degree options, and offering specialty tracks or concentrations within a degree better help direct nurses to high-demand areas. Variety also means more levels of education offered, from LPN certification to PhDs. - Flexibility
Flexibility means full- and part-time options as well as online courses or programs where possible. Flexibility may also mean shorter programs for those who’ve completed necessary prerequisites or fast-track programs for those coming into the nursing field with degrees in another subject. Flexibility in these ways allows those who need to work full time to continue doing so while also advancing their education.
Types of Nursing Programs Available in Ohio
Whether you’re just starting your nursing journey, wanting to change from one career to another, or already working as an RN, there are on-campus and online nursing programs in Ohio just right for you. We explain the most common options currently available below and list some of the schools offering them.
Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs in Ohio
ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program designed to help students get started in their nursing careers. Students take general education and nursing courses and attend clinicals to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
Traditional BSN Programs
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is a traditional four-year program that culminates with becoming a registered nurse in the state of Ohio. Many employers want nurses who hold a BSN because these graduates are not just prepared to carry out basic nursing duties, but they are also trained for more advanced leadership positions.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
Accelerated BSN Programs
An accelerated BSN is a faster version of a traditional BSN designed specifically for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in a different field. This option typically waives general education courses and puts students straight to work on the nursing curriculum. If you’re looking for a career change and want to become a nurse, this program is for you.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
Nursing Bridge Programs in Ohio for Current Nurses
LPN to RN and LPN to BSN Programs
Those who are licensed practical nurses (LPN) aren’t registered nurses, though they can do many of the same tasks as RNs. This program is specifically for LPNs because it builds upon prior knowledge and supplements it with clinical experiences in preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam and becoming registered nurses.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to BSN Programs
Many employers are seeking registered nurses who have completed a full bachelor’s degree. The Ohio RN to BSN programs are for registered nurses who have the experience but not the degree. These programs are often available online, making it easier for students currently working as RNs to earn their degrees.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
RN to MSN Programs
The RN-to-MSN program is for registered nurses who don’t yet have a BSN but know they want to get at least a graduate degree in nursing to help them specialize or work toward becoming a nurse practitioner. Programs typically take 16 to 30 months.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
Advanced Nursing Programs in Ohio
MSN Programs
A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is perfect for nurses with a BSN looking to specialize or work toward becoming nurse practitioners. A traditional master’s degree is one option. Another is a direct-entry MSN, which is for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another subject wanting to start a career in nursing.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
DNP and PhD Doctoral Programs
A DNP and PhD in nursing are both doctoral nursing programs that dive into the specialties and philosophies of nursing. Those wanting to perform research and push the boundaries of science to change the future of healthcare would do well to earn a doctoral degree.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with this Program
Post-Graduate Certificates
Post-graduate certificates are for those who already have a master’s degree but want to study a second specialization without getting a doctorate. Examples of these certificates include nursing leadership, family nurse practitioner, and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner.
Examples of Ohio Nursing Schools with This Program
Inside Online Nursing Programs in Ohio
Similar to most schools, many nursing schools in Ohio have been increasing their online options over the past two decades. This lets students earn a degree regardless of where they live. It also offers the flexibility of earning a degree or certificate while working and managing other responsibilities.
Not all nursing programs are available online. Undergraduate programs requiring clinical time must be completed in-person since you can’t substitute the experience gained by putting skills into action with real patients in real clinical settings with online simulations. However, other coursework can technically be completed online. That is why RNs can earn a BSN degree 100% online since they’ve already passed the NCLEX-RN exam and completed clinicals.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs in Ohio
Can I earn my nursing degree in Ohio completely online?
It depends on the degree you’re pursuing. RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs are generally available 100% online. They sometimes require one or two on-campus visits, depending on the program. ADN and BSN degrees usually require at least some time in person for clinicals.
Will my online Ohio nursing degree be considered less valuable by employers?
Quality Ohio nursing programs strive to keep their online courses just as valuable as their on-campus ones. Courses are taught by the same teachers, and the curriculum is identical. Also, employers can only see the school where you earned your degree, not the format in which it was received. They’ll only know if you tell them yourself.
Are online nursing programs in Ohio more affordable than campus programs?
Though tuition costs are often the same, some schools charge online students the in-state tuition rate, regardless of where they live. If you are pursuing an online nursing degree in Ohio and live out of state, this could save you a lot. Online degrees also rack up savings in other ways, such as through the absence of transportation costs to and from campus.
Financial Aid Opportunities for Nursing Students in Ohio
There are many financial aid options for nursing students, including typical government loans and grants. Our nursing scholarship guide can help you find opportunities. Ohio also has a Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program (NEALP) that offers financial assistance to Ohio students enrolled in an approved Ohio nurse education program, and the Ohio Nurses Foundation also has several scholarships available. In addition, if you’re currently working as a nurse or nursing assistant, talk to your employer to see if they’re willing to help you pay for your nursing education in exchange for your commitment to work for them for a certain amount of time.
How to Become an RN in Ohio: Licensing Information and Requirements
Knowing your state’s specific licensing requirements is very important. If done improperly, you could waste time and money and potentially miss out on job opportunities. The Ohio Board of Nursing lists everything you need to do. Note that some things must be done before you even finish your nursing program. We’ve detailed Ohio RN licensing information below in a step-by-step format, so you don’t miss anything.
Apply to take the NCLEX-RN
When you are nearing the end of your nursing degree, go to Ohio’s professional licensing page, and create your account with the “I don’t have a license” option. You’ll want the application to go to the nursing board and indicate that you’re applying for an RN license. Your application type will be through examination. This application is used by the Ohio Nursing Board to determine if you are eligible to take the NCLEX. You will also need to pay a $75, non-refundable application fee.
Complete Criminal Records Check
The Ohio Nursing Board requires every licensing applicant to complete a BCI (civilian) and FBI (federal) criminal records check. This is part of the application step above, and you can find more information about that here.
Register for the NCLEX-RN
Register with the testing company, Pearson VUE, so they can send you an ATT (Authorization to Test) document once they receive notice that you are eligible to take the test. This document includes a special ATT number you’ll need to register to take the test.
Provide Educational Documentation
Once you’ve completed your nursing program, provide your nursing administration with your application number from step #1 since they’ll need it to generate your Program Completion Letter and send it to the Ohio Board of Nursing. The name on your completion letter must match the name on the application you submitted to the Board.
Schedule and Take the NCLEX-RN
Once the Board has proof that you completed your nursing education, they’ll reach out to Pearson VUE and tell them you can take the exam. You will then receive your ATT document and can schedule a time to take the NCLEX-RN. Once you’ve registered, print a registration confirmation; download the NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for instructions, fee information, and Education Program Codes; and pay the NCLEX fee. Then take (and pass) your test. Once you pass, the Ohio Board of Nursing issues your license.
Renew license when necessary
In Ohio, nursing certification is subject to renewal every odd-numbered year and must be completed by October 31st of that year to keep your nursing license from lapsing. The Board sends renewal applications to every nurse with an active license, and renewal requires completion of 24 hours of approved continuing education (CE) nursing hours.
Salary and Job Outlook for RNs in Ohio
If you are studying nursing for the first time or continuing your education to advance, you'll want to know if your studies will be worth the effort. We compiled the data below to help you decide. The average salary for registered nurses in Ohio is $79,940, with salaries ranging from $64,480 to $105,380. However, that only tells part of the story, as your specific location affects earnings. In Dayton, for example, RNs earn between $65,050 and $99,350, with an average salary of $79,840. In Akron, the average is $79,770, with a range from $65,330 to $97,250. Additionally, there will be job growth in the coming years. In Ohio, 7,630 more jobs will be added to the profession each year, representing a 3.40% increase. In the United States, the increase will be 5.60%, with 193,100 jobs being created. More information can be found in the tables below.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
| Akron, OH | $65,330 | $79,770 | $97,250 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $63,150 | $77,390 | $92,690 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $65,280 | $80,810 | $109,120 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $69,210 | $80,240 | $105,380 |
| Columbus, OH | $66,300 | $81,020 | $99,770 |
| Dayton, OH | $65,050 | $79,840 | $99,350 |
| Lima, OH | $63,490 | $73,950 | $93,200 |
| Mansfield, OH | $62,010 | $74,280 | $90,550 |
| Springfield, OH | $60,000 | $78,970 | $96,200 |
| Toledo, OH | $63,910 | $78,280 | $95,030 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $59,960 | $74,470 | $90,390 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,172,500 | 3,349,900 | 177,400 | 5.60% | 193,100 |
| Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ohio Nursing Resources
Provides state- and county-specific scholarships and grants, nominations for nursing awards, and information about continuing education opportunities.
Explains all you need to know about state laws and requirements to become a nurse. This is where you apply for a nursing license.
Scholarships and Online Resources for RN Students
This resource provides links and information about school-based scholarships for RN students, regional and national scholarships, tips for improving your scholarship application, student organizations, and professional associations.
OhSNA (Ohio Student Nurses’ Association)
This association, specifically for nursing students in Ohio, is designed to help them become the best nurses they can be. The association promotes participation in community affairs, influences the standards of nursing education, and encourages recruitment efforts.
Ohio Association of School Nurses (OASN)
This association is for students looking to become school nurses. It provides nearly 16 CNE contact hours at their annual OASN conference and additional CNE contact hours at regional activities throughout the year.
