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allnurses (Editorial Team / Admin) Article reviewed and fact-checked by our Editorial Team.
In This Article
Becoming a registered nurse (RN) in Ohio involves exploring several educational pathways. Among them, the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest and most popular options. However, ADN-prepared RNs often return to school to achieve their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in bridge programs called RN to BSNs, allowing them to take on more responsibilities and earn higher salaries.
Considering this, we've provided everything you need to know to apply for an RN to BSN in Ohio, along with salary expectations after graduation and recommendations for the best programs in the state.
Best RN to BSN Programs in Ohio
The following schools have been selected based on allnurses' ranking methodology of surveying our readers to understand what they value most in their RN to BSN program, including affordability, duration, flexibility, and more. We'll start with a deep-dive on the top five.
1. Ohio University School of Nursing
After reviewing nearly 25 programs in the state, OU ranks at the top of our list because it ticks all of the boxes: affordability, flexibility, and reputability. The program is self-paced, with five-week-long nursing courses, tailor-made for the busy nurse.
It is not the absolute cheapest program, nor the absolute shortest program, but Ohio University's 100% Online RN to BSN program is, based on our methodology, the best value in the state. Essentially, you're attending one of the best-rated nursing schools in the country, for less than $10,0001.
- RN to BSN Credit Requirement: 31 credits (only 9 nursing courses)
- Cost per Credit Hour: $332 for in-state, $337 for out-of-state [Source: 2023 Tuition]
- Estimated Program Cost1: $9,960
- Program Length2: 12 Months for full-time
- Clinical Requirements: The capstone course, NRSE 4600, provides students the opportunity to complete their clinical practice project locally, rather than on campus in Ohio.
- Course List
Program Admission
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Terms: 8 different start dates, 3 in Fall, 3 in Spring, and 2 in Summer
- Application Deadlines: list of deadlines
- Out-of-state Applications: The program is nearly the same cost for those out of state, and the clinicals can be completed in your local area. The Online RN to BSN program accepts applicants from 20+ states.
2. Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Mount Carmel earns solid marks for tuition, flexibility, and small class sizes. For those dedicated to finishing their BSN in as little time as possible, this may be the best choice, as you could complete the program in as little as 2 semesters or roughly 8 months. The school also has a part-time program for those juggling multiple responsibilities, with the only requirement that the degree be completed in 5 years.
The course sizes are purposely kept small at just 25 - 30 students, giving students easy access to professors and a generally high-quality learning experience.
- RN to BSN Credit Requirement: 30 credits, including 3 required elective credits
- Cost per Credit Hour: $275
- Estimated Program Cost1: $8,250 [Source: 2023 Tuition]
- Program Length2: 8 Months for full-time (2 semesters)
Program Admission
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Terms: 8 different start dates, 3 in Fall, 3 in Spring, and 2 in Summer
3. Youngstown State
Youngstown State University (YSU) offers a nationally-recognized online RN to BSN program for busy nurses. The program can be completed in as little as 10 months and the affordable tuition of approximately $7,7001 is another strong selling point.
Regarding the curriculum, past students appreciate the focus on community nursing and praise the small school feel despite the online experience.
- RN to BSN Credit Requirement: 28 credits
- Cost per Credit Hour: $275 for in-state, $280 for out-of-state [Source: 2023 Tuition]
- Estimated Program Cost1: $7,700 for in-state; $7,840 for out-of-state
- Program Length2: 10 Months for full-time
- Clinical Requirements: 2 classes contain an experiential learning component, with 60 hours between both.
Program Admission
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Terms: 4 different start dates, 2 in Fall, 2 in Spring
- Application Deadlines: Applications are due roughly three weeks before your start date
- Out-of-state Applications: The program is nearly the same cost for those outside of Ohio.
4. Shawnee State University
Shawnee State University (SSU) offers an online RN to BSN program tailored for working nurses aiming to further their education and career prospects. The program is led by seasoned nurse educators who are dedicated to the success of their students and the small class sizes provide a more personalized experience.
To provide further affordability, Shawnee State may provide an additional $1500 scholarship to help cover your tuition costs.
- RN to BSN Credit Requirement: 25 credits
- Cost per Credit Hour: $258.50 for in-state, $289.40 for out-of-state [Source: 2023 Tuition]
- Estimated Program Cost1: $7,756
- Program Length2: 9 Months for full-time
5. Cleveland State
For those with the maximum number of credits to transfer, Cleveland State might be the cheapest in the entire state with an estimated tuition of just around $6,500. It's this affordability that gives it such a high ranking.
- RN to BSN Credit Requirement: 31 credits (only 9 nursing courses)
- Cost per Credit Hour: $237 for in-state, $240 for out-of-state
- Estimated Program Cost1: $6,488
- Program Length2: 12 Months for full-time
- Clinical Requirements: There is a clinical component that should be completed in the final semester.
- Course List
Program Admission
- Minimum GPA: 2.0
- Out-of-state Applications: The program is nearly the same cost for those out of state, and the clinicals can be completed in your local area. The Online RN to BSN program accepts applicants from 20+ states.
Online RN to BSN Programs
Here is our complete list of rankings for the top 18 RN to BSN programs in Ohio, for the 2023-2024 school year.
| Score | School | City | Program |
Estimated Costs1 (Minimum) |
Program Length2 |
Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99.90 | Ohio University (OU) | Columbus | RN to BSN | $9,960 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 99.52 |
Youngstown State University (YSU) |
Youngstown | RN to BSN | $7,700 | 10 months | CCNE |
| 99.15 |
Mount Carmel College of Nursing |
Columbus |
RN - BSN Completion Program |
$8,250 | 8 months | CCNE |
| 98.46 | Shawnee State University | Portsmouth | RN to BSN | $7,756 | 9 months | CCNE |
| 98.00 | Cleveland State University | Cleveland | RN to BSN | $6,488 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 95.01 | Franklin University | Columbus | RN to BSN | $8,940 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 94.82 | Notre Dame College | Cleveland | RN to BSN | $9,100 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 93.41 | University of Toledo | Toledo | RN to BSN | $10,260 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 93.19 | Kettering College | Kettering | RN to BSN | $10,435 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 92.03 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | RN to BSN | $13,851 | 9 months | CCNE |
| 91.29 | Kent State University | Kent | RN to BSN | $12,000 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 90.80 | The University of Akron | Akron | RN to BSN | $12,400 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 88.00 | Defiance College | Defiance | RN to BSN | -- | 12 months | CCNE |
| 88.00 | Mercy College of Ohio | Toledo | RN to BSN | -- | 12 months | CCNE |
| 88.00 | Ohio State University (OSU) | Columbus | RN to BSN | $14,700 | 12 months | CCNE |
| 88.00 | University of Rio Grande | Rio Grande | RN to BSN | -- | 12 months | CCNE |
| 86.31 | Ursuline College | Pepper Pike | RN to BSN | $11,160 | -- | CCNE |
| 86.02 |
Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences |
Canton |
BSN Completion Program |
$11,400 | 18 months | CCNE |
*Please contact us if you'd like to update your program's information.
1Costs are based on the minimum required RN to BSN credits and are not inclusive of core credits, nor all fees. Actual costs will vary from student to student and are based on multiple factors, including transfer credits and scholarships. For the most accurate costs breakdown, please reach out to a school representative.
2Program lengths included are typically the shortest possible program length, requiring the maximum amount of transfer credits prior to admission. Outstanding general curriculum requirements will likely increase program length.
What Is an RN to BSN?
An RN to BSN Program is an RN returning to school to obtain a BSN degree. This involves experienced RNs and new graduates with a diploma or an ADN. A BSN degree program provides a more comprehensive education in social and physical sciences, nursing management, research, informatics, and public health. It enhances knowledge and understanding of community health, healthcare management, leadership, and policy for a broader scope of practice.
Related: 10 Best RN to BSN Programs in 2023
RN to BSN Coursework
Typical RN to BSN Coursework includes:
- Professional Nursing Practice
- Family-Centered Health Promotion
- Community and Public Health Nursing
- Statistics for Health Professions
- Introduction to Nursing Research
- Ethical Nursing Practice
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Trends and Issues in Today's Health Care
- Professional Capstone and Practicum
Can RN to BSNs Be Taken Entirely Online?
RN to BSN programs can be taken entirely online. These programs are designed for working RNs who have already completed an ADN or nursing diploma program and obtained licensure, meaning they've gained significant hands-on experience in their initial programs and through work. However, it's important to note that some online RN to BSN programs may have in-person requirements such as exams or capstone projects, so students should check the specific requirements of a program to ensure it fits their needs.
Where Do BSN-Prepared Nurses Work?
Nurses with a BSN have many career options and opportunities and can practice in most care settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Home Care Agencies
- Physician Office
- Educational Services
- Government Agencies
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Hospices
- Dialysis Centers
- Telephonic and Virtual Care Settings
RN to BSN Prerequisites and Requirements
There are several prerequisites to enter an RN to BSN program, including:
- Current, unrestricted RN license
- An ADN or Diploma in Nursing
- Minimum GPA (varying per program); the average GPA requirement in Ohio was 2.25, with some schools accepting as low as 2.0
- Official transcripts
RN to BSN Salary Expectations in Ohio
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs in Ohio in 2022 earned:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $37.72
- Annual Mean Wage: $78,450
Unfortunately, the BLS does not specify whether this is an ADN-prepared RN or BSN-prepared RNs; however, given that a BSN is likely to increase earning potential, this is likely to be representative of slightly lower than the average BSN-RN salary.
RN salary in Ohio is 12% lower than the national estimates for 2022, as the BLS reports RNs across the U.S. earning:
- Mean Hourly Wage: $42.80
- Annual Mean Wage: $89,010
With the highest-paying states being:
- California: $133,340
- Hawaii: $113,220
- Oregon: $106,610
- Massachusetts: $104,150
- Alaska: $103,310
The BLS collected the Ohio RN wage data from over 130,370 nurses.
How to Choose a Nursing School
Reasons for choosing a nursing school will vary per student and their specific needs. Some students value the cost of education, while others may place greater emphasis on NCLEX pass rates, academic reputation, or other factors.
Although it will vary by individual, a survey by allnurses revealed the top 11 reasons nursing students chose their programs:
- Cost
- High NCLEX Pass Rate
- Location
- Academic Reputation
- Availability of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Length of Time to Obtain Degree
- Flexibility of Schedule
- Curriculum
- Campus and Surroundings
- Nursing Clinicals Location
- Availability of Online Courses
Ultimately, prospective students should assess their needs and pick schools that are the best fit for them.
FAQ and Additional Readings
Q: How do I transfer my nursing license to Ohio?
Ohio is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses to practice in other NLC states without additional steps. You do not have to transfer your license if moving from an NLC state.
Q: Are there specialization programs for nurses in Ohio?
Many schools in Ohio offer advanced nursing degrees, allowing RNs to specialize in pediatric, geriatric, family nurse practitioner, acute care, and more.
Q: Is it better to have an ADN or a BSN?
While obtaining an RN license after completing an ADN is possible, the opportunities after graduation and beyond are more significant with a BSN degree. BSNs focus more on research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice, whereas an ADN primarily focuses on clinical skills.
Additionally, many healthcare institutions now require BSN-prepared RNs to fulfill various accreditation and Joint Commission requirements and to achieve the prestige of Magnet status.
