Olivia Chen, NP
June 19, 2025
The state of Ohio provides RN to BSN programs which allow practicing nurses to earn their bachelor’s degree efficiently. These educational programs serve working RNs who have associate or diploma nursing credentials and want better career prospects. BSN-prepared nurses serve as essential healthcare professionals throughout Ohio which contains both prominent hospitals and rural clinics.
Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online program offers a flexible pathway for working nurses to advance their education. Designed for licensed RNs with an associate degree, this fully online program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing without disrupting their professional lives. With no clinical requirements and only nine nursing courses, students can typically finish in 9-18 months. The program's affordable tuition, guaranteed for four years, ranges from $564 per credit hour, making it an accessible option for career advancement.
Concentration: Public Health Nursing - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online program with a Public Health Nursing concentration offers working nurses a flexible pathway to advance their careers. Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree, this fully online program allows students to complete their bachelor's degree in just 9-18 months without clinical requirements. With six annual start dates, the program emphasizes interprofessional, evidence-based practice and provides a pathway for graduate studies through CCNE accreditation.
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati offers a fully online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses seeking career advancement. Specifically tailored for the Nurse Educator concentration, this flexible program allows registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree without disrupting their professional commitments. With only nine nursing courses and no clinical requirements, students can complete the program in as little as nine months. The CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice and interprofessional education, preparing nurses for leadership roles and potential graduate studies.
Toledo, OH - Private 4-year - mercycollege.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Mercy College's RN-BSN online program provides working nurses an opportunity to advance their career by transforming their associate degree or diploma into a comprehensive bachelor's degree. Designed for flexibility, the program allows full-time students to complete core nursing courses in just twelve months. With competitive Toledo area median salaries around $57,800, graduates gain critical skills in leadership, research, and patient-centered care across diverse healthcare settings. Admission requires an active RN license and minimum 2.0 GPA, with potential for 32-39 transfer credits.
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ohio State University's RN to BSN online program transforms experienced nurses' careers by elevating clinical skills and professional capabilities. Designed for registered nurses with associate degrees, the program provides a flexible pathway to advance nursing expertise without traditional textbook costs. Graduates develop critical leadership skills, evidence-based practice techniques, and a holistic approach to patient care across diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum emphasizes innovative wellness strategies, clinical reasoning, and lifelong learning, preparing nurses to make meaningful contributions to healthcare transformation.
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - thechristcollege.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Advance your nursing career with The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences' RN to BSN program. This 100% online program offers flexibility with full and part-time options, no mandatory login times, and a curriculum designed for working nurses. Benefit from a program that combines affordability with a long-standing reputation for nursing excellence. Whether you're looking to enhance your credentials or prepare for leadership roles, this program provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's healthcare environment. Start your journey towards a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and open new doors in your nursing career.
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Akron's online RN to BSN program empowers registered nurses to advance their careers by earning a bachelor's degree. Designed for nurses with an associate degree or diploma, this program offers a flexible, affordable pathway to leadership roles in healthcare. Completed in as little as one year, students can take graduate-level courses and potentially transition into a Master of Science in Nursing. The program features expert faculty, customized learning experiences, and prepares nurses for expanded professional opportunities.
Ohio students can access multiple RN to BSN program formats because various educational institutions provide completely online educational pathways. Online programs prove highly appealing to working nurses because they offer flexible asynchronous learning which accommodates their professional schedules. The distance learning platform enables students to finish their studies from anywhere while the programs schedule multiple entry points per year. Students who want to learn through a combination of online and face-to-face sessions can enroll in hybrid programs. Some educational institutions provide nursing students with evening and weekend class options for those who want classroom learning. Students who want to finish their program within a year can enroll in accelerated programs. Motivated learners who want rapid career progression find these compressed schedules beneficial.
| School Name | Highlights | Retention & Grad Rates |
|---|---|---|
| University of Cincinnati |
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| Ohio University |
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| Bowling Green State University |
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| Certifying Board | Ohio Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Certification | Graduate of an OBN‑approved BSN, pass NCLEX‑RN, complete FBI/BCI fingerprint check |
| License Renewal Period | Biennial cycle (odd years, Sept 1–Aug 31) |
| Continuing Education | 24 contact hours every two years (including 1 hour on Nurse Practice Act, endorsement applicants need 2 Category A hours) |
| License Application Fee | $75 initial, NCLEX registration $200 |
| Clinical Hours | Complete supervised clinical practice per program standards |
| Application Processing Time | ATT in 7–10 business days, license in ~4–6 weeks post‑NCLEX clearance |
| License by Endorsement | eLicense application, $75 fee, license verification, background check, and required CE |
The employment market for BSN-prepared nurses in Ohio shows positive job opportunities combined with above-average compensation. The average wages for registered nurses across Ohio are slightly lower than the national average yet they stay competitive based on the state’s living costs. BSN-prepared nurses can access better-paying leadership positions and specialty unit roles as well as case management opportunities. The highest salaries together with the most job openings become available in major cities including Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The healthcare demand in rural areas with limited access remains high which enables BSN-prepared nurses to access loan repayment programs and recruitment bonuses. The job market for nurses in Ohio remains positive because the population continues to age while healthcare services become more accessible.
| Salary & Career Outlook | Ohio | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual BSN Salary | $72,100 | $62,340 |
| Avg Hourly Wage | $34.65 | $29.97 |
| 90th Percentile Salary | >$82,000 | $80,510 |
| Median Salary | $65,000 | $62,340 |
| 10th Percentile Salary | <$50,000 | $47,960 |
| Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | 7% | 3% |
| Annual Job Openings | ~6,200 | ~54,000 |
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Central Ohio Technical College |
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| Youngstown State University |
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| University of Akron |
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After completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, nurses gain access to different career advancement paths. BSN-educated nurses from Ohio have access to graduate education programs that offer Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP degrees. The advanced degrees at graduate level prepare nurses to work in nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and clinical nurse specialist roles. The BSN qualification provides a pathway to career growth in both clinical and administrative positions even if nurses choose not to obtain further education. Ohio hospitals require BSN degrees for nurse leadership roles such as charge nurse, nurse manager, and unit coordinator positions. The BSN curriculum trains nurses to lead, manage health systems, and understand policy to assume additional responsibilities. The BSN degree enables nurses to obtain specialized certifications that boost their clinical abilities and professional prospects. The BSN degree serves as the base for professional advancement throughout the entire career span across education, policy, and patient care in Ohio’s evolving healthcare sector.
Additional Nursing Programs in Ohio
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Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Website
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Online & Campus Based - Website
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Online & Campus Based - Website
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Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
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Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
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