Online RN to BSN Programs in Ohio: Inside Top Schools for Degree Completion
If you’re an RN in Ohio with an associate degree, a BSN could be your ticket to a higher salary and better career prospects. This guide walks you the most flexible and affordable RN-to-BSN programs online in Ohio today. Learn about admissions requirements, program costs and lengths, curriculum content and delivery methods, and more.
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RN to BSN Programs in Ohio: What to Expect
An online RN to BSN program is a great choice for registered nurses seeking to obtain a nursing bachelor’s while continuing their RN employment. That’s because schools offering these programs design them with working nurses in mind through features such as:
- Fully-online and hybrid (partially-online) formats
- Asynchronous content delivery that allows students to log on and complete their coursework according to their own schedules
- Generous credit transfer policies that allow students to transfer in the majority of credits needed to earn their BSN from their diploma or associate degree programs
- Awarding of credits for active RN licensure
The result of all of this is tremendous study convenience and flexibility along with short completion times and affordable costs.
We’ll discuss all of this in detail below, but to start you off, here are spotlights of three current online RN to BSN programs in Ohio. These spotlights will give you a good idea of what you can expect from the programs you ultimately consider.
RN to BSN Program — Ohio State University
Ohio State University’s online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program emphasizes leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice in diverse healthcare settings and further graduate studies.
The program is presented 100% online in an asynchronous format the allows students to complete their coursework at any time. Students also participate in project-based, collaborative experiences allowing them to apply what they’ve learned in real time.
The curriculum consists of 30 credits of required core nursing courses and at least one elective and is designed to be completed in as few as one year (three semesters) of full-time or 1 1/2 years (four semesters) of part-time study.
Ohio State’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: 1 year (full-time) or 1 1/2 years (part-time)
Mode: Fully-online coursework with collaborative learning experiences
Cost: $19,405 – $22,763 (total program cost)
Admissions Requirements:
- Diploma or associate degree in nursing
- Active unrestricted RN license
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Curriculum:
- Foundations and Contemporary Issues for RNs
- Cultural Competence in Healthcare: US and Global Contexts
- Concepts in Community Health Nursing
- Evolving Concepts in Leadership and Management
- Health Care Informatics
- Interprofessional Concepts
- Evidence Based Practice: Transforming Healthcare
- Required Nursing elective Course
Programs that might interest you:
BSN for Registered Nurses — Kent State University
Students in the online BSN for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN) program at Kent State University develop leadership skills that prepare them for evidence-based practice and to meet today’s challenges in healthcare.
Earning the BSN requires 120 total credits made up of:
- Prerequisite coursework
- Credits transferred in from the student’s nursing diploma or ADN program
- Approximately 30 credits of upper-level core nursing courses and electives completed in the RN to BSN curriculum.
All coursework is completed entirely online.
Both full-time and part-time study options are available. Classes start every six weeks.
RN to BSN students can apply early to either an MSN in Nursing or MS in Health Informatics at Kent State and complete nine credit hours of graduate coursework that can be applied to both their BSN and master’s programs.
Duration: As few as 12 months
Mode: Fully-online coursework
Cost: $400/credit (Ohio residents); $410/credit (out-of-state residents)
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Nursing diploma or associate degree
- GPA of 2.0 or higher
Curriculum:
- General Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology
- Flashes 101
- Human Genetics or Elements of Genetics
- Science of Human Nutrition
- Information and Patient Care Technology for Healthcare Professionals
- Concepts and Issues for Professional Nursing Practice
- Health Promotion in Professional Nursing Practice
- Population-Based Nursing for Professional Nursing Practice
- Health Maintenance and Restoration for Professional Nursing Practice
- Health Care Policy
- Introduction to Evidence Based Practice for Registered Nurses
- Capstone for Professional Nursing Practice
RN to BSN Program — University of Cincinnati
With three program length options, the University of Cincinnati’s online RN to BSN program is an exceptionally flexible choice.
Student complete nine nursing courses for a total of 27 credits. With the exception of in-person clinical experiences, all program requirements are completed entirely online.
All courses are seven weeks long and offered twice each spring, fall, and summer semesters. Students additionally have the option of completing a public health minor.
Funding help is available in the form of scholarship opportunities and tuition remission benefits through qualifying employers.
Duration: 8, 12, or 20 months (depending on student’s chosen study pace)
Mode: Online coursework with in-person precepted clinical experiences
Cost: $629/credit (Ohio resident); $644 (non-resident). Includes tuition and fees.
Admissions Requirements:
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing
- GPA of 2.5 or higher (recommended)
RN licensure is not a requirement for admission. However, students must provide proof of obtaining their RN license prior to enrollment in NBSN 4068 and NBSN 4081.
Curriculum:
- Health Issues of Vulnerable and Marginalized Populations
- Informatics for Professional Nurses
- Transition to Baccalaureate Education in Nursing
- Scientific Basis for Professional Nursing Practice
- Nurse as Professional Leader and Manager
- Gerontological Nursing Practice
- Capstone Experiences
- Learning with Technology
- Focus on Community
Common Ohio RN to BSN Questions Answered
As you explore your RN to BSN program options, it’s natural to have a few questions of your own about program and career details. That’s why we’ve answered the following five questions frequently asked by prospective Ohio RN to BSN online students.
How will an RN to BSN program in Ohio prepare me for more opportunities?
A BSN degree prepares registered nurses for advanced roles in nursing leadership and management, as well as specialized practice, resulting in expanded career opportunities and higher earnings.
Obtaining your nursing bachelor’s additionally provides you with the undergraduate degree needed to continue on to graduate studies to earn your:
- MSN degree, leading to advanced nursing practice roles in any number of specialized areas
- Doctoral degree, leading to terminal careers in advanced scientific research and post-secondary education
How long does it take to complete an RN to BSN program in Ohio?
Completion times for RN to BSN programs vary from program to program depending mostly on:
- Total number of credits needed to earn the BSN
- Number of previously-earned credits transferred in from the student’s nursing diploma or ADN program
- Number of credits awarded for active RN licensure
- Student’s chosen study pace (full-time, part-time, self-paced)
Once all of the above-described credits are applied, most RN to BSN online programs in Ohio require students to complete around 30 credits (give or take) within the RN to BSN program.
How affordable are RN to BSN programs in Ohio?
Affordability is a key benefit to obtaining a nursing bachelor’s degree through an online RN to BSN program in Ohio, with tuition rates generally running between $400 to $750 per credit. Your actual total program cost, however, will depend on a number of factors, such as:
- The total number of credits you must earn in the RN to BSN program. Most programs require completion of around 30 credits.
- Whether the school offering the program is public or private. Private schools may charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
- The student’s state of residence. Public schools often charge higher (sometimes substantially higher) tuition rates to out-of-state students.
Keep in mind that tuition rates do not include additional costs for fees, books and study materials, etc. Also, don’t forget to factor in any financial aid funds you receive to help lower your total program bill.
Expert Insight
When thinking about affordability, tuition is only part of the equation. Choosing a program that offers maximum schedule flexibility can support full-time employment (if that’s your goal). You can continue making a great salary as an RN while attending school, which can be particularly helpful if you plan to fund your education out of pocket.
Is financial aid available to Ohio RN to BSN students?
Absolutely. In fact, there is a full range of financial aid options available to qualifying online RN to BSN students in Ohio that include:
- Scholarships and grants
- Student loans
- Employer tuition reimbursement
- Tuition discount, deferment, and installment plans
Scholarships are available from variety of sources, including colleges and universities themselves. For example, Ohio University offers a number of internal scholarships exclusively to their nursing students.
Other valuable scholarship sources include professional organizations like the Ohio Nurses Association and the Ohio Health Care Association.
The best way to start your funding search is by contacting the financial aid offices at each of the schools you’re considering. They’ll be able to provide you with the most up-to-date information on resources to help you pay for your RN to BSN education.
What are the admission requirements for RN to BSN programs in Ohio?
Admission requirements also vary from program to program, but there are several that apply to most online RN to BSN programs in Ohio, including:
- Nursing diploma or associate degree from a properly-accredited program
- Minimum GPA on previously-completed postsecondary coursework
- Active, unencumbered RN license
A few programs admit students prior to finishing their diploma or ADN program, but typically require they complete that program and obtain their RN licensure before beginning specific BSN coursework.
You’ll likely also need to pass a criminal background check and drug screening, as well as provide proof that you are up to date on all necessary immunizations.
Again, each RN to BSN program has its own specific admissions requirements, so be sure you carefully review and make sure you meet all requirements for any program you’re considering before submitting your application.
Ohio RN vs. BSN Salary & Career Details
Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center have built national reputations partly by being selective about who staffs their specialty and research units, and a bachelor's degree is now the expected baseline for those roles. That pulls pay toward the higher end of this range. Outside the major metro areas, hospitals are less particular about credentials, so an associate degree gets you working fast, typically lower on the scale.
Ohio also requires hospitals to maintain nurse staffing committees made up largely of clinical nurses, which helps keep demand relatively consistent at every level.
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Ohio | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 |
| 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.
