Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
Ohio’s nursing education offerings encompass clear pathways for professionals at every stage of their career, blending foundational training with advanced practice preparation. Whether you’re earning your first credential as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), progressing from Registered Nurse (RN) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), obtaining licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or specializing as a Nurse Practitioner (NP), the state’s colleges, universities, and health systems deliver robust coursework alongside immersive clinical experiences. With options for hands‑on practicums in a variety of care settings and flexible online modules designed for busy learners, Ohio’s nursing programs equip graduates with the expertise, professional credentials, and competitive salary potential needed to excel across the state’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - mccn.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Carmel College of Nursing in Columbus, OH, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for students without previous nursing experience. This program stands out for its small classes, personal attention, and affiliation with Mount Carmel Health System, providing a rich educational experience. Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it prepares students for a professional nursing career. The program also offers a Direct Admit Pathway for qualifying students, ensuring early admission into their intended program of study. With a focus on evidence-based practice and clinical competence, graduates are well-prepared for the nursing profession.
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The Ascent Program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a fast-track option for students aiming to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as little as five semesters. Designed for those with prior nursing coursework, this program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experiences. With a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership, graduates are prepared to excel in diverse healthcare settings. The program boasts small class sizes and personalized attention, ensuring a supportive learning environment. Financial aid options are available, making this accelerated path both accessible and affordable for aspiring nurses ready to make a difference.
Online Learning - Visit Website
Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers an Online RN-BSN Completion Program designed for licensed nurses aiming to advance their careers with a bachelor's degree in nursing. This fully accredited program provides the flexibility to study online, fitting around your schedule. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention and support. The program can be completed in 2 to 3 semesters full-time, with part-time options available. It's a great opportunity for nurses seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in a supportive educational environment.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Carmel College of Nursing's Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) is a fast-track option for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another field to pursue a nursing career. Choose between a 13 or 18-month track, both offering hybrid learning with online and on-campus components. The program boasts a 91.02% NCLEX-RN pass rate and a 100% employment rate within 12 months post-graduation. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention. Prerequisites include courses in English, Psychology, and Sciences. Financial aid is available to help manage tuition costs. This program is ideal for those seeking a swift transition into the nursing profession with a solid educational foundation.
Toledo, OH - Private 4-year - mercycollege.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercy College of Ohio offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing with evening and weekend classes, perfect for balancing education with life's demands. Located in Toledo, OH, this program prepares students for a rewarding nursing career, offering flexibility without sacrificing quality. With state-of-the-art simulation labs and a strong network of healthcare partners, students gain hands-on experience. The program spans five semesters, focusing on critical thinking and individual care. Mercy College's graduates excel, with pass rates surpassing national averages. Financial support options may be available, making this an accessible path to a nursing career.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercy College of Ohio's BSN Nursing Prelicensure program offers a comprehensive path to becoming a registered nurse. Located in Toledo, this eight-semester program blends hands-on training with a robust bachelor's degree education. Designed for aspiring nurses, it prepares students for the workforce in various healthcare settings. The program starts in spring, fall, or summer, offering flexibility. Unique opportunities include paid clinical hours in the final semester and a direct admit option for high school students. With a focus on financial freedom, students can work with Mercy Health to cover educational costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking a debt-free education.
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - gscollege.edu
Online Learning - Visit Website
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program at Good Samaritan College is designed for RNs aiming to advance their careers. This online program blends independent study with faculty support, focusing on leadership, technology, and interprofessional collaboration. It prepares graduates for advanced studies and diverse healthcare settings. The curriculum includes 27 nursing credits and 3 general education credits, with flexible seven-week sessions. Financial aid options are available, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to enhance their skills and opportunities in nursing.
Kettering, OH - Private 4-year - kc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kettering College in Ohio offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for aspiring nurses. This pre-licensure track can be completed in three years full-time or five years part-time, totaling 124 semester credits. The program blends arts and science prerequisites with hands-on nursing courses, starting in August or January. Clinical experiences begin early, leveraging Kettering Health's facilities. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Admission requirements and tuition details are available on the college's website. This program is a solid step toward a rewarding nursing career, with a focus on professional practice and leadership.
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Concentration: LPN to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing with a concentration in LPN to ADN, designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to advance their careers. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on safe, effective nursing care, communication, leadership, and the use of technology in healthcare. Accredited by ACEN, it meets Ohio's licensure requirements, with options for out-of-state students to check specific state requirements. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills for diverse healthcare settings.
Concentration: Paramedic to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing with a Paramedic to ADN concentration, designed for certified paramedics aiming to become registered nurses. This program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on patient care, communication, and leadership. Accredited by ACEN, it combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills for diverse healthcare settings. Ideal for those seeking to advance their careers in nursing with a solid foundation and specialized training.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program designed to prepare students for a career as a Registered Nurse. Offered at four regional campuses, this program focuses on developing critical thinking, clinical skills, and a deep commitment to patient care. Students gain hands-on experience to care for patients across all life stages. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, ensuring a quality education that meets industry standards. With a blend of technology and nursing coursework, graduates are ready to enter the workforce quickly.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program is designed for those aspiring to enter the nursing profession with a strong foundation in patient care, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. The program combines classroom learning with hands-on labs and clinical experiences across various healthcare settings. Graduates are well-prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam, with the program boasting a 92% pass rate and 99% job placement within six months of graduation. Admission requires a minimum 2.750 overall GPA and completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, cultural competency, and effective communication, preparing students for diverse healthcare environments.
Ohio’s LPN programs combine classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. Students gain hands‑on experience administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing compassionate patient care under professional supervision. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and earning Ohio licensure, graduates bolster the practical nursing workforce by easing RN workloads and expanding access to quality care across both urban centers and rural areas.
Ohio’s CNA offerings typically last six to twelve weeks, pairing interactive lessons on patient‑care fundamentals and infection prevention with supervised clinical practicums. Students master tasks like feeding assistance, hygiene support, and vital‑sign monitoring, while honing reporting skills. Upon certification, CNAs join multidisciplinary teams in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and community clinics. Their contributions help streamline care delivery and improve patient experiences.
Ohio’s RN to BSN pathways pair advanced online study, covering nursing leadership, community and population health, informatics and healthcare policy, with supervised clinical residencies at both academic medical centers and community hospitals. Offered in part-time and accelerated formats, they allow RNs to keep working while they pursue their baccalaureate credential. Completing a BSN sharpens skills in evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary coordination, satisfies employer and accreditation standards, and unlocks opportunities in leadership, specialty certification and public health roles across Ohio.
In Ohio, Nurse Practitioner education transforms a BSN into advanced-practice expertise through challenging graduate coursework paired with diverse clinical immersions, usually spanning two to four years, in specializations like family care, pediatric health, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered via on-campus seminars, hybrid blends, and fully online options at public and private institutions, these MSN and DNP curricula prepare nurses for APRN credentialing and Ohio licensure. Graduates go on to lead patient care as primary clinicians, chronic disease specialists, and telehealth providers in metropolitan hospitals, suburban outpatient centers, and critical-access facilities in rural Appalachia. By injecting a new cadre of skilled practitioners into regions facing physician shortages and broadening care delivery models, NP programs play a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare access and quality statewide.
Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Common entry route, ADN nurses often required to pursue BSN |
RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | Rare, but a few programs remain (e.g., Aultman, Christ Hospital) |
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 requirement, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred statewide |
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs require physician collaboration |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs limited by reduced practice authority laws |
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Concentration: HCW to ADN - Online & Campus Based - Website
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