Ohio State University, Main Campus

The Ohio State University College of Nursing has a legacy of over a century, offering a variety of pathways for aspiring nurses since 1914. With its own building since 1966 and independent college status since 1984, the College of Nursing provides a solid foundation for nursing education.

Discover Ohio State University, Main Campus

Columbus, Ohio

Visit Ohio State University, Main Campus
School Ranking: A
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Ohio State University, Main Campus is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid, on-campus, and online programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, MSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, CNL, CNS, CNM, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the ACME and CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Student Demographics

  • 20 Average Age
  • 50% Men
  • 50% Women
  • 0% Veterans
  • 88% White
  • 2% Hispanic
  • 8% Black
  • 2% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $34,276 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $70,256 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

Founded in 1870, The Ohio State University is known as one of America's largest, most comprehensive, public universities.

Since 1914, The Ohio State University College of Nursing has been educating nurses. In 1966, the School of Nursing broke ground for its own building. In 1984, it was elevated to independent college status as The Ohio State University College of Nursing.

Undergraduate

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN program can be completed in as little as four years, including pre-requisite work. There is a part time study option. There is a minimum of 121 credit hours required to earn the BSN degree. After graduation, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

Those who have earned a non-nursing baccalaureate degree are eligible to apply to the Graduate Entry option. The Graduate Entry option is a three-year, full-time program for non-nurses leading to a master's degree in nursing.

RN-BSN

The College of Nursing offers a program for current RNs who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing and wish to earn a BSN.

Certificate Programs

  • School Nurse Professional Pupil Services Licensure Certificate
  • School Nurse Wellness Coordinator Certificate
  • Nursing in School Health Services Certificate
  • Nurse Educator Certificate

Graduate

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

This program is called the Traditional Master's (TM) option which provides an opportunity for students that hold a BSN or an RN and baccalaureate degree, to earn an MSN.

Specialty Areas

  • Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Clinical Nurse Leader
  • Family Nurse Practitioner
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
  • Nurse Midwifery
  • Nursing Science
  • Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
  • Women's Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master's Certificate

The Post-Master's study option is designed for nurses who hold an MSN. Students do not earn a degree from The Ohio State University, but are prepared to take the certification exam.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

There are two DNP tracks for students who have completed their master's degree: the DNP Clinical Expert track and the DNP Nurse Executive track.

The post-master's DNP pathway has full-time and part-time study options. Students must have completed 500 master's-level clinical hours and hold an advanced certification or be eligible to sit for certification by the first day they enter the program. It is not required to hold a certification as an APRN for admission to the Nurse Executive track.

The College of Nursing offers a five-year, part-time DNP pathway for students entering with a BSN. In the BSN to DNP pathway, students will earn the MSN during the first three years of study, then become certified as an APRN. The final two years focus on leadership and clinical skills by completing the DNP Clinical Expert coursework and immersion experience.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD program prepares nurses who want to focus on research and education with the ultimate goal of becoming a skilled researcher and scholar nurse scientist. Original research and the completion of a dissertation are part of the program.

Students have the option to attend part- or full-time.

Admission Requirements

  • BSN or MSN degree completion
  • BSN and/or MSN from accredited program
  • Hold current RN license w/o restrictions

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and the post-graduate APRN certificate programs.

The Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) accredited the nurse-midwifery specialty track at The Ohio State University College of Nursing.

The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Rankings and Recognition

US News & World Report (2020)

  • #3 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs
  • #2 in Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs
  • #8 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • #19 (tie) in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • #7 (tie) in Clinical Nurse Leader
  • #11 (tie) in Nurse Practitioner: Family
  • #9 (tie) in Nurse Practitioner: Adult / Gerontology, Acute Care
  • #28 (tie) in Nursing-Midwifery
  • #56 (tie) in National Universities
  • #28 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #126 in Best Value Schools
  • #18 (tie) in Most Innovative Schools
  • #17 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #46 Best Global Universities
 
NICHE (2019)
  • Top Public Universities in America #22 of 672
  • Best Big Colleges in America #22 of 131
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #27 of 599
  • Best College Campuses in America #29 of 1,408
  • Best Colleges in America #91 of 1,647
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #107 of 1,591
  • Best College Locations in America #192 of 1,553
  • Best Value Colleges in America #248 of 1,590
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #252 of 1,592
  • Best College Dorms in America #494 of 1,370
  • Most Liberal Colleges in America #555 of 687
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in Ohio #1 of 64
  • Best College Campuses in Ohio #1 of 57
  • Top Public Universities in Ohio #1 of 32
  • Best Big Colleges in Ohio #1 of 5
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Ohio #2 of 75
  • Best Colleges in Ohio #3 of 76
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in Ohio #3 of 24
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in Ohio #4 of 75
  • Best College Locations in Ohio #4 of 65
  • Best Value Colleges in Ohio #9 of 73
  • Most Liberal Colleges in Ohio #16 of 21
  • Best College Dorms in Ohio #29 of 56
  • Best Colleges in Columbus Area #1 of 9
  • Best Value Colleges in Columbus Area #2 of 8

Forbes (2019)

  • #80 Best Employers for New Grads
  • #122 Top Colleges
  • #29 in Public Colleges
  • #66 in Research Universities
  • #19 in the Region
  • #97 America's Best Value Colleges

The Princeton Review (2018-2019)

  • The Best 384 Colleges
  • Best Midwestern
  • Colleges That Pay You Back
  • Green Colleges

In 2016, TopRNtoBSN.com ranked the RN to BSN Program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing the nation's very best.

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