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 provides a flexible, fully online pathway for licensed RNs with an associate degree to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With no clinical requirements and only nine nursing courses, students can complete the program in 9-18 months, featuring six annual start dates and affordable tuition at $564 per credit hour, guaranteed for four years. It is CCNE-accredited, emphasizes interprofessional education, and does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, making it accessible for career advancement.
Concentration: Public Health Nursing - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Public Health Nursing, this RN to BSN Online program at the University of Cincinnati offers a concentration that prepares nurses for roles in community health through an evidence-based, interprofessional curriculum. Fully online with no clinicals, it requires only nine courses and can be completed in 9-18 months, with six start dates annually. CCNE-accredited and military-friendly, it does not mandate an ACT or SAT exam, supporting seamless credit transfers and graduate study pathways.
Concentration: Nurse Educator - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tailored for the Nurse Educator concentration, the University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online program enables working RNs to advance into teaching roles with a flexible, fully online format. It includes nine nursing courses, no clinical requirements, and completion in as little as nine months, with part-time or full-time options. CCNE-accredited and featuring tuition at $564 per credit hour, it does not require an ACT or SAT entrance exam, fostering leadership and evidence-based practice skills.
Toledo, OH - Private 4-year - mercycollege.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Mercy College of Ohio's RN-BSN online program offers a flexible pathway for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, with courses delivered entirely online to accommodate working professionals. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months for full-time students, emphasizing leadership, research, and patient-centered care skills. Admission requires an active RN license and a minimum 2.0 GPA, with up to 39 transfer credits accepted. As a bachelor's level program, it does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, and it integrates Christian values into its curriculum, preparing graduates for roles in diverse healthcare settings with competitive salary prospects.
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ohio State University's RN to BSN online program is designed for registered nurses with associate degrees, offering a flexible and cost-effective pathway to a bachelor's degree without textbook expenses. It focuses on enhancing clinical skills, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. The program is fully online, accredited, and does not require ACT or SAT entrance exams, with multiple start dates and low student-to-instructor ratios for personalized learning.
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - thechristcollege.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers an RN to BSN program that is fully online, providing flexibility with full-time or part-time schedules and no mandatory login times, ideal for working nurses. It emphasizes affordability and a strong reputation in nursing education, preparing students for leadership roles without requiring ACT or SAT exams. The curriculum is designed to advance careers in healthcare through accessible and practical learning.
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Akron's online RN to BSN program offers a flexible and accelerated path for registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degree, with completion possible in as little as one year. It is designed for those with an associate degree or diploma, featuring 100% online coursework, affordability, and expert faculty. The program includes opportunities for graduate-level courses and a seamless transition to a Master of Science in Nursing, enhancing leadership skills in healthcare. No entrance exams like ACT or SAT are required, making it accessible for working professionals.
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 Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
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Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
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Online Learning - Website
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Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
Online Learning - Website
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