Best Nursing Schools in Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree through both traditional and accelerated tracks. The program is taught by experienced faculty, including doctors of nursing practice and clinical specialists. Students benefit from dedicated coordinators for each track and a Director of Clinical Education who oversees clinical placements. The program prepares graduates for nursing careers and licensure.

• Traditional BSN track offered
• Accelerated BSN track offered
• Director of Clinical Education
• DNP-prepared faculty
• MSN-prepared faculty

Baldwin Wallace's Accelerated BSN is a 15-month, full-time program for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree. The curriculum uses concept-based learning to develop critical thinking and clinical skills. You'll complete 63 credits including over 700 hours of clinical rotations at top hospitals like Cleveland Clinic. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and consistently achieve a 100% first-time pass rate. The program features small clinical groups, experienced faculty who are practicing nurses, and no entrance exam requirement. Scholarships like the Choose Ohio First award are available for Ohio residents. Upon completion, you'll be ready for nursing roles in diverse healthcare settings.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• No entrance exam required
• $44,348 total program tuition
• 15-Month program
• 63 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-05-30
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time enrollment
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall

Muskingum University offers a traditional pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that prepares students to become registered nurses. The curriculum integrates nursing theory, critical thinking, and technical skills with hands-on clinical experiences. Students complete clinical practicums at premier facilities like Nationwide Children's Hospital and train in a state-of-the-art nursing laboratory. The program boasts a 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement for graduates from 2016 to 2025. Small class sizes provide individualized attention from experienced faculty, and open-door advising supports student success. Full approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing and accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ensure quality. Graduates are ready for careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.

• Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Pediatric practicums at Nationwide Children's Hospital
• State-of-the-art nursing laboratory
• Approved by Ohio Board of Nursing
• Coursework tailored to healthcare employer needs
• Small class sizes with individual attention

Muskingum University's traditional pre-licensure BSN program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and technical skills, with coursework tailored to meet healthcare employers' expectations. Students gain practical experience in a state-of-the-art nursing laboratory and through clinical practicums at premier facilities like Nationwide Children's Hospital. The program boasts a 95% average NCLEX pass rate and 100% job placement over the past decade. Small class sizes and open door advising provide personalized support. Graduates are prepared for diverse nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program holds full approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

• CCNE accredited
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital
• State-of-the-art nursing laboratory
• Small class sizes
• Open door advising policies
• Full approval from Ohio Board of Nursing
• Tailored coursework for healthcare employers

Malone University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for dynamic healthcare careers through a comprehensive curriculum integrating professional skills and Christian values. Students gain hands-on clinical experience early in their education, ensuring strong practical preparation. The program boasts high board licensure pass rates and offers multiple tracks, including a traditional undergraduate path and an accelerated option for transfer students or those seeking a second degree. Graduates are highly sought after by healthcare organizations for their professional competence and compassionate approach to patient care.

• Top 15 Midwest BSN program
• Christian principles integrated
• Early clinical opportunities
• Individual faculty mentorship
• High job placement success
• Accelerated track available
• Holistic nursing education approach

Ohio University-Zanesville's four-semester Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-N) program, accredited by ACEN, prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and careers as registered nurses. The curriculum integrates general education with nursing courses, delivered through classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical rotations at local hospitals and community agencies. Hands-on training occurs in a simulation suite and skills labs with modern equipment. The program offers competitive admission, an LPN-to-RN bridge track, and dual enrollment in an online RN-to-BSN. Graduates work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and private practice. Tuition is locked via the OHIO Guarantee, and 99% of first-year students receive financial aid.

• ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 4-Semester program
• Locked tuition rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

Ohio University-Zanesville offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that blends science, principles of nursing, and hands-on clinical training. Students gain skills through classroom instruction, nursing labs with manikins, and high-fidelity simulation suites that mimic real patient responses. Clinical experiences take place in hospitals and agencies near campus, preparing graduates for generalist nursing roles. The curriculum covers sciences, humanities, and human behavior alongside nursing courses. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and can pursue careers as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program also serves as a foundation for master's or doctoral nursing education. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio and CCNE accreditation, this campus-based program offers a supportive learning environment. Financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, are available to eligible students.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Locked tuition rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Best Nursing School in Ohio
• 99% of first-year students receive aid
• 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Hiram College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares compassionate, clinically competent nurses ready for diverse healthcare settings. The program combines liberal arts with hands-on clinical experience, starting in sophomore year at premier facilities across Northeast Ohio. Curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nursing foundations. Graduates are prepared for roles in acute care, outpatient settings, and community health. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate for three consecutive years and CCNE accreditation, the program ensures high standards. Students benefit from a tuition guarantee, small class sizes, and opportunities through the Hiram Student Nurses' Association. Direct entry for qualified high school students and transfer pathways are available. Optional minor in biomedical humanities adds depth. The program requires 128 credit hours and offers a supportive learning environment focused on ethical, holistic care.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 4-Year program
• Locked tuition rate
• 128 total credit hours
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Clinical sites across Northeast Ohio
• Tuition guarantee for four years
• Direct entry for high school GPA 3.5
• Optional minor in biomedical humanities

Capital University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares professional nurse leaders committed to promoting health and healing in diverse communities. The curriculum combines foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, and microbiology with nursing-specific courses in pathophysiology, psychiatric mental health, and community health. Students develop critical thinking and clinical judgment through hands-on experiences at top-ranked Columbus hospitals, including Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. With a 4:1 student-instructor ratio in simulation labs and 1:1 mentoring from faculty, graduates consistently achieve a 100% NCLEX pass rate. The program is CCNE-accredited, and graduates pursue careers as hospital, public health, occupational health, or home-health nurses. Capital’s small campus fosters close-knit learning and strong clinical partnerships, setting students up for success in a field with strong job growth.

• CCNE accredited
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• 4:1 student-instructor ratio in labs
• Clinicals at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
• 1:1 mentoring by nursing faculty
• Experiential learning in top hospitals

Columbus State Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.D.N.) is a five-semester program designed to prepare students for a career as a Registered Nurse. The curriculum draws from nursing, humanities, and the sciences, weaving in hands-on psychomotor skill development alongside coursework in critical thinking, clinical decision making, delegation, and care management. Students train across acute, intermediate, chronic, and community care settings, gaining broad exposure before graduation. The program comes in two formats — a traditional classroom track and a blended option that pairs online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and, upon passing, can obtain licensure through the Ohio Board of Nursing. LPNs, paramedics, and military medics can also apply through an Advanced Standing pathway that awards credit based on prior training. This program suits career changers, recent high school graduates, and healthcare workers looking to advance.

• Entrance exam required
• 5-Semester program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Prepares graduates to sit for NCLEX-RN
• Ohio Board of Nursing licensure upon passing
• Blended option: online classes plus in-person labs
• Advanced standing available for LPNs and Paramedics
• Covers acute, intermediate, chronic, and community care
• Curriculum blends nursing, humanities, and sciences

Columbus State's RN to BSN Completion program empowers working nurses to advance their careers through a flexible, fully online degree. Designed for associate degree nurses, this affordable program costs approximately $10,000 and can be completed in under a year or up to five years. Students develop critical leadership skills, explore evidence-based practices, and enhance professional competencies. With a 95.65% licensure examination pass rate and strong employer partnerships, graduates are positioned for career growth in healthcare. The program offers low tuition, convenient scheduling, and potential financial aid opportunities.

• Fully online BSN program
• Low tuition $192.93/credit
• Flexible part-time options
• Minimum 120 credit hours
• No background check required
• Up to 34 transfer credits
• 8-week term starts
• 95% employment rate
• Developing leadership skills
• Career advancement focused

The University of Findlay's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares students for compassionate, evidence-based patient care. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nursing management, emphasizing holistic care and interdisciplinary teamwork. Students gain hands-on experience through on-campus simulation labs, clinical instruction, and supervised placements in hospitals and clinics. Unique opportunities include a study abroad exchange in Japan and an Early Assurance pathway for high school seniors. Graduates develop critical thinking and leadership skills for roles as registered nurses in diverse healthcare settings, including hospital nursing, community health, and leadership positions. The program is accredited by CCNE and the Ohio Board of Nursing. Admission is competitive, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisite coursework.

• Ohio Board of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TOEFL
• 120 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• On-campus nursing simulation lab
• Study abroad in Japan
• Early Assurance for high school seniors

Ohio University's traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year campus program blending classroom instruction with extensive clinical practice. Students complete over 1,500 hours of lab and clinical work, including a 168-hour preceptor experience. The curriculum covers nursing fundamentals, evidence-based practice, and community health. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers as registered nurses in hospitals, public health, or education. Accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and a 1:18 faculty-student ratio ensure quality learning. Features include simulation labs, clinical partners like Nationwide Children's Hospital, and personalized graduation plans. Ranked best nursing school in Ohio by Niche.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 4-Year program
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Faculty-to-student ratio of 1:18
• Over 1,500 combined clinical and lab hours
• Customized graduation plan
• Clinical partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital
• Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society chapter
• State-of-the-art simulation labs

The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers a top-ranked Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that builds the knowledge, clinical experience, and confidence for high-quality patient care. The curriculum covers foundational nursing knowledge, pathophysiology, pharmacology, nursing care across the lifespan, population health, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students engage in early and ongoing clinical experiences at Ohio State's medical campus and partner hospitals. The lock-step, structured curriculum ensures consistent progression. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is ranked No. 1 among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report. Students can also participate in an honors program with research thesis opportunities. With multiple admission pathways, academic advising, and scholarships, this program provides a strong foundation for a nursing career in diverse healthcare settings.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 122 total credit hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Scholarships available
• Early and ongoing clinical experience
• Faculty mentorship and advising
• Clinicals near Ohio State medical campus
• Lock-step structured curriculum
• BSN Honors with research distinction