Written By
Kristina Brune
- Bio
last updated
If you’re an Ohio RN wanting to advance your career, you may consider obtaining your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A BSN provides additional training, knowledge, and skills while enabling you to improve the level of patient care you can provide. In turn, you’ll increase the job opportunities available to you, earn more money, and pave the way for attending a graduate program in the future.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that more than 3 million jobs were available for registered nurses (RNs) in 2021 and projects that the demand for nurses will grow by more than 6 percent from 2021-2031. The outlook for nurses in Ohio is even more robust, with more than 9% projected job growth between 2018 and 2028. RNs in Ohio have opportunities to work in hospitals, rural clinics and private practices, among other healthcare settings.
Discover the benefits of attending an RN to BSN program in Ohio, get answers to your most pressing questions, and learn how to earn your bachelor’s in nursing in the state.
Nursing School Spotlights: Best RN to BSN Programs in Ohio
Many factors will help you decide which RN to BSN program in Ohio would be best for you. Cost, location, flexibility, and student success rates are just a few of the vital factors you’ll want to consider. It may seem overwhelming to sift through all the details about different schools and decide which school to attend, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we’ve spotlighted three high-quality RN to BSN programs that offer the affordability, excellent academic programs, and support you’ll need to succeed. Find out which schools stand out for 2023.
Ohio University
Ohio University’s Online RN to BSN program consistently ranks among one of the best programs in the U.S., as well as one of the most affordable. Some students can complete the program in as little as one year for less than $10,000. Students are required to complete 120 credits, and some credits earned as part of an associate degree may be transferred. Nursing courses are flexible and presented in a five-week-long format that covers topics such as community health, gerontology, and leadership, and students have access to coursework 24/7 via Blackboard. There are eight start dates each year and affordable and convenient payment options. Ohio University’s students can access student resources and the school’s electronic library.
The university’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and admissions requirements include an associate degree or diploma in nursing, a 2.0 GPA, an active, unencumbered RN license, and a test date for the NCLEX.
Kent State University
Kent State University’s RN-to-BSN Online program is accredited by the CCNE. It is available part-time and full-time, and students can complete the program 100% online in as little as 12 months. Courses cover a variety of topics, including policy, leadership, and professional nursing. Kent State offers expert faculty and administrators who will support you every step of the way. Graduates of this program will advance their professional standards and apply these practices in advanced graduate studies or active patient care.
RN to BSN students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, with small class sizes and 24/7 technical support. All tests and exams are delivered online as well.
Admission requirements include proof of admission in good standing from a state-approved associate degree or diploma nursing program with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Before beginning courses, students must verify that they have an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where they’ll be practicing and complete the required science courses, which include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology.
University of Toledo
The University of Toledo’s 100% Online RN to BSN Program provides an innovative, CCNE-accredited nursing program for students looking to elevate their education. Courses are offered 100% online and can be completed in as little as two semesters. The school’s approach allows students to manage their workload at their own pace, with qualified and knowledgeable staff to assist. Students will be prepared for various careers in the nursing field or to pursue advanced education with a master’s or doctorate program.
Admissions requirements include an active, unrestricted, unencumbered U.S. RN license in the state where the student plans to complete their clinical experience and an associate degree from an accredited nursing program or RN diploma program. Applicants must also send official transcripts and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
FAQs About Ohio RN to BSN Programs
How will an RN to BSN program in Ohio prepare me for more opportunities?
You may wonder if an RN to BSN program is worth the time and financial investment, especially if you’re already treating patients as an RN. In most cases, earning your BSN will help advance your career and improve the level of patient care you provide.
An RN to BSN program enables nurses with an associate degree to elevate their knowledge and skill set through academic study and application of that study in their day-to-day work as a nurse. RN to BSN graduates will learn not only advanced clinical skills but also communication, leadership, patient evaluation, research, and management.
As the nursing field continues to grow and evolve, many employers will give preference to potential employees who have their BSN. According to Campaign for Action, while the number of nurses in Ohio with a BSN is rising, it’s still behind the national average. Having your BSN will help you stand out as a nurse in Ohio.
How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in Ohio?
The time it takes to complete your BSN will vary from school to school. It will depend on the program’s flexibility, the number of courses you can take each semester, and the options the school offers. It will also depend on how much education you have. An entry-level BSN, designed for students without a degree, will take four years. However, RN to BSN degrees can be completed in a much shorter time. The University of Cincinnati allows BSN students to complete the program in as little as nine months. Students enrolled in Ohio University’s program can finish in under a year.
How affordable are RN to BSN programs in Ohio?
Online RN to BSN programs are designed to give nurses the ability to complete their degrees while working. As such, they’re frequently offered online or in a hybrid format. Costs vary from school to school but are generally affordable compared to traditional degrees. The cost per credit hour varies from $230 to $400 per hour, with credits needed to graduate ranging from 30-120. It is important to note that in programs that require a higher number of credit hours, it is likely that coursework from your RN program and/or associate degree will satisfy those credits.
Online RN to BSN
Total Credits: 120 (30 to be taken at Ohio University)
$307/credit hour (in-state); $312/credit hour (out-of-state)
Online RN to BSN Program
Total Credits: 120
$228/ credit hour (in-state); $231/credit hour (out-of-state)
Is there financial aid available to Ohio RN to BSN students?
As a potential RN to BSN student, several financial aid options are available to you to help offset the costs of pursuing your degree. You can use grants, scholarships, and fellowships to pay for your tuition partially or fully. These forms of financial aid are awarded based on factors such as special interests, gender, financial need, academics, race, ethnicity, and more.
Many schools will provide scholarships directly through the school. For example, Ohio University offers a number of nursing scholarships. The Ohio Nurses Association has a list of available scholarships, as does the Ohio Health Care Association. Applying for federal student aid is also an option, which you can do by filling out the FAFSA.
You can find more information about paying for nursing school in our nursing scholarship guide and main financial aid guide, where you can start your search for financial aid.
What are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in Ohio?
Admission requirements will vary from school to school, but there are some that you can generally expect across all RN to BSN programs in Ohio. For most programs, you’ll need an associate degree or diploma in nursing, an active, unencumbered RN license, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. These are the admissions requirements of both Ohio University and Cleveland State University. Some programs may have additional requirements regarding licensure or test scores.
In Ohio, what should I look for in a quality RN to BSN program?
While the ultimate decision about which program to attend will be very individualized, there are several ways to determine a good program. You should choose a program approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, accredited by the ACEN or CCNE, has a high NCLEX-RN and licensure pass rate, and fits your schedule. In addition, you should look for a program that provides adequate student support, is affordable, and has high student graduation rates.
Inside Look at Online RN to BSN Degree Programs in Ohio
Many RN to BSN program online options exists in Ohio. Most of these programs are offered online without requiring going to campus. Others offer a hybrid format, where students take online classes but may be required to be on campus sometimes or complete clinical requirements on location. Most online programs allow students to complete their required clinical hours locally, often through the work they are already doing as an RN. These programs also allow students to access course material at any time on tools such as Blackboard to complete the work as their schedule allows. In addition, most tests can be taken virtually.
You can find more information on our online RN to BSN page.
What is the Path to Becoming an RN with a BSN Degree in Ohio?
You should expect several career paths to open after you graduate with your BSN. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of clinical settings, including hospitals and doctors’ offices, along with research, education, and policy opportunities. Immediately after graduation, you’ll need to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN is designed to test your knowledge and ensure you’re ready to begin your career as a nurse. You also must ensure that you’re properly licensed in Ohio or whichever state you’ll be practicing in. The Ohio Board of Nursing has a comprehensive and detailed of what tasks you’ll need to complete to work as a registered nurse in the state. For any state, you can locate your state’s nursing board and learn more.
As you study and prepare to take the NCLEX and complete your other licensing requirements, you can begin researching which jobs you want and which area of practice. You should take this time to prepare for interviews and polish your resume. It may also be an option for you to continue your education with a master’s or doctorate in nursing.
RN to BSN Salary Career Outlook for Ohio
Nurses who complete an RN to BSN program in Ohio will have a number of job opportunities available to them and the potential to earn more money. Nurses are in demand in Ohio, with job opportunities expected to increase over the next 10 years. Learn about salary and employment trends in Ohio below.
How much more can I make going from an RN to BSN in Ohio?
Nurses who complete an RN to BSN program have higher earning potential than RNs. According to ZipRecruiter, as of September 2022, RNs in Ohio make an average of $63,285 per year, while nurses with BSN degrees earn an average salary of $86,227. Nationwide, nurses with their BSN make an average of $77,600, while in Ohio, the median salary is as high as $78,000 per year, depending on the city. The highest BSN earners in Ohio make more than $98,000 per year.
| Location | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
What is the job outlook for BSN nurses in Ohio?
The job market in Ohio for nurses who have completed a BSN program is on the rise. Nurses are in high demand, with 203,200 job openings available for RNs every year in the decade beginning in 2021. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for registered nurses will grow 6% from 2021 to 2031 in the U.S., and in Ohio, RN employment is expected to grow more than 9% from 2018 to 2028.