Due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population, much of the nation is grappling with a prolonged nursing shortage expected to continue for years. Ohio, in particular, is projected to see a 17% increase in nursing positions over the next decade. If you’re considering a career in nursing, now is an ideal time to explore opportunities in Ohio, where job security and competitive salaries are anticipated to grow significantly.

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Cities in Ohio

Best RN Programs in Ohio

Selecting the best nursing school in Ohio can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 20 nursing schools in Ohio by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 94 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.

For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).

1.

10 College Dr, New Concord, OH 43762

Score: 98.68

At Muskingum University, students are able to earn a BSN under a curriculum that combines liberal arts and sciences with professional nursing courses. Small class sizes foster individual attention from dedicated faculty, and a holistic learning approach develops well-rounded RNs.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (740) 826-6160
2.

710 Colegate Dr, Marietta, OH 45750

Score: 98.28

Washington State Community College in Marietta offers a board-approved Associate Degree in Nursing at one of the lowest tuition rates in the state. Their program aims to help students enter the nursing profession and enjoy the employment growth that registered nursing is poised to offer.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (740) 374-8716
3.

1972 Clark Ave, Alliance, OH 44601

Score: 98.22

The University of Mount Union's 4-year BSN program continues to be a popular choice with prospective nursing students in the state. With no wait list, students can be admitted into the major as a freshman to start their nursing education right away. With features like a state-of-the-art simulation ICU, students get to enjoy first-class facilities in which to learn and practice.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (800) 992-6682
4.

1350 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43209

Score: 96.88

Columbus' Chamberlain College of Nursing offers a unique BSN program that can be completed in as little as 3 years. With generous financial aid options available, Chamberlain makes it easy for students to get the education they need to succeed in the medical field.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
  • Phone: (614) 252-8890
5.

2600 Cleveland Ave NW, Canton, OH 44709

Score: 95.80

Canton’s Malone University is home to a School of Nursing offering a fully accredited BSN program. Their program focuses on providing service to God, self, and persons in need. Malone’s faculty and relationships with local healthcare providers help students secure rewarding clinical experiences.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (330) 471-8366
6.

1 South Grove Street, Westerville, OH 43081

Score: 95.57

Otterbein University’s accredited BSN program is committed to quality nursing education, preparing students for the nursing profession and encouraging life-long learning. Clinical placements begin in the first semester, allowing students to gain hands-on experiences.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (614) 823-1614
7.

100 E Business Way, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45241

Score: 95.15

Galen College of Nursing's Cincinnati campus offers multiple nursing pathways, including an ADN program as well as a BSN program that can be completed in just 3 years. With a rigorous curriculum and a range of clinical experiences, graduates are prepared for real-world nursing careers.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
  • Phone: (513) 475-3636
8.

2120 Cornell Road, Cleveland, OH 44106

Score: 94.94

Case Western Reserve University is located on a vast 550-acre campus just east of Cleveland, Ohio. The university's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing provides several offerings as part of their nursing program, including: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Nursing (MN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) 9 majors, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD). These nursing programs are rigorous, but give graduates the upper hand as they become top-ranked professionals in the field.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, MSN
  • Phone: (216) 368-2529
9.

2222 Marion Mt Gilead Rd, Marion, OH 43302

Score: 94.60

Tri-Rivers School of Nursing can provide all the training needed to become a highly regarded registered nurse in the health care industry. Graduating from the school's LPN to RN program will offer competitive compensation and opportunities for LPNs looking to take the next step on the career ladder.

Program Details

  • Programs: LPN to RN
  • Phone: (740) 389-4682
10.

101 University Dr, Chillicothe, OH 45601

Score: 94.24

As part of the Ohio University system, Chillicothe's BSN program offers the same quality nursing education as its sister campuses provide. This competitive bachelor's-level program includes courses in Health Assessment, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and more. Didactic classes are supported by labs and hands-on clinical rotations.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, ADN
  • Phone: (740) 593-4494
11.

275 Eastland Rd, Berea, OH 44017

Score: 94.23

You can have it all when attending Baldwin Wallace University. The school's accelerated BSN offering can be completed in just 15 months and starts students on extensive clinical experiences during the first semester of the program. Located minutes away from Cleveland makes for a great mix of country and city living.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (440) 826-2900
12.

1 Ohio University Grover Center E365, Athens, OH 45701

Score: 93.81

The main Athens campus of Ohio University provides students with a traditional BSN program that gives them the tools to become caring registered nurses. Students are taught the latest evidence-based techniques, and are able to gain hands-on experience through simulated labs and clinical rotations.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (740) 593-4494
13.

1 College Ave, Columbus, OH 43209

Score: 93.71

Located in Columbus, Capital University’s BSN nursing pathway prepares students for their future careers by offering a broad educational foundation. Liberal arts, sciences, and ethical thought are the pillars of the curriculum.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN, MSN
  • Phone: (614) 236-6011
14.

4000 Sunset Blvd, Steubenville, OH 43952

Score: 93.37

The Trinity School of Nursing offers a 2-year nursing diploma program that provides the theoretical, clinical, and practical experiences graduates will need to be on the cutting edge of nursing. The school boasts a nearly 100% first-time NCLEX-RN exam pass rate.

Program Details

  • Programs: Diploma
  • Phone: (740) 266-1230
15.

2600 6th St SW, Canton, OH 44710

Score: 93.24

Located in Canton, Aultman College offers a myriad of nursing degree choices, including ASN and BSN programs. Small class sizes, personal attention from faculty, and state-of-the-art technology make Aultman a great place to earn a nursing degree.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
  • Phone: (330) 363-6347
16.

1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210

Score: 93.14

The Ohio State University College of Nursing has roots dating back to its inception in 1928. Known for its long-standing ranking in the field of health care, graduates from the BSN program benefit from tried and true practices, while learning in modern surroundings.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (614) 292-8900
17.

1000 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 45840

Score: 93.08

With an emphasis on critical thinking, ethics, evidence-based care, and more, the University of Findlay's BSN program consistently produces nursing leaders. The program admits up to 30 students annually, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. Students enter the program as sophomores and are able to complete it in just 5 semesters.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (800) 472-9502
18.

1973 Edison Dr, Piqua, OH 45356

Score: 92.93

Located in Piqua, Edison State Community College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program with coursework delivered in classrooms, laboratories, and clinical training sites. Upon graduation, students are prepared to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Program Details

  • Programs: Associate in Nursing
  • Phone: (937) 778-8600
19.

525 S Main St, Ada, OH 45810

Score: 91.91

Small class sizes, faculty support, and post-graduate career support are just a few attributes of Ohio Northern University's BSN program. A well-balanced curriculum of theoretical and practical experiences help individuals graduate at the top of the field.

Program Details

  • Programs: BSN
  • Phone: (419) 772-3944
20.

400 Richards Road, Zanesville, OH 43701

Score: 91.73

Zanesville's Mid-East Career and Technology Centers offers a diploma RN program for aspiring entry-level RNs. This hybrid program consists of classroom and distance-education learning, along with labs and clinicals.

Program Details

  • Programs: Diploma
  • Phone: (180) 055-1154 x8

Ohio Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees

If you're starting your nursing career in Ohio, obtaining an entry-level degree is the essential first step. Common pathways for new nurses include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Here's a breakdown of the differences between these options.

Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs

If you're looking for a quick and straightforward route into nursing, a nursing diploma or ADN program could be an excellent option. These programs usually take one to two years to complete and provide the core skills and knowledge needed to start your nursing career. For those already working as LPNs, an LPN to RN bridge program is also worth considering. These programs build on your existing experience, allowing you to earn an ADN or BSN faster than beginning from scratch and moving you closer to becoming a licensed RN.

Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in Ohio include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
  • Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment

For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.

More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:

ProgramEstimated TuitionEstimated CreditsOnline Availability
ADN$6,000 – $15,00060-72 creditsLimited online courses, primarily on-campus
LPN to RN$4,000 – $10,00030-45 creditsOften hybrid; some online courses
RN Diploma$5,000 – $12,00040-60 creditsRarely online; primarily on-campus

ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in Ohio.

Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a popular option for nurses looking to advance their education, especially for those considering graduate degrees down the line. A traditional BSN generally takes about four years to complete, but if you already hold an RN license and an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you can accelerate your path with an RN to BSN program, which can be completed in as little as two years. Additionally, if you have a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, Ohio offers Accelerated BSN programs, allowing you to earn your BSN within one to two years.

Admissions requirements for BSN programs in Ohio typically include:

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
  • Completion of prerequisite courses

For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.

Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:

ProgramLengthEstimated TuitionEntrance Level
Traditional BSN4 years (120-126 credits)$20,000 – $50,000First-time college students
RN to BSN1-2 years (30-35 credits)$10,000 – $20,000Licensed RNs with an ADN
ABSN12-18 months (50-60 credits)$25,000 – $40,000Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders

RN to BSN

Ohio RN to BSNs are an excellent choice for nurses who are already working in the field. These programs build on your existing education and experience, allowing you to complete your BSN in a shorter timeframe—often reducing the time to graduation by up to two years.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

If you already hold a bachelor's degree and are looking to transition into a nursing career, Ohio ABSN programs that can help you make the switch in as little as a year.

Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs

Whether you're a current nurse looking to expand your career opportunities or a student aiming for roles beyond entry-level nursing, Ohio provides various advanced nursing education pathways. Options such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—the highest degree in nursing—offer robust paths for professional growth. To qualify, you'll typically need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an MSN, along with an active, unrestricted RN license.

Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in Ohio:

Getting an RN License in Ohio

After graduating, the next step to becoming a nurse in Ohio is passing the NCLEX-RN exam and obtaining your RN license. Once you pass, you'll need to submit an application and the required fee to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Keeping your license active will also require completing any ongoing education requirements set by the state.

Requirements for RN Licensure in Ohio

  • Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
  • Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
  • Application to the Ohio Board of Nursing
  • Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance

Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?

As you start researching nursing programs in Ohio, you'll likely come across the term “accredited.” RN program accreditation is a formal review process that verifies a nursing school or program meets established quality standards. In the U.S., the two primary accrediting organizations for nursing programs are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Ohio nursing programs typically seek accreditation from one or both of these organizations, which ensures they meet national standards and that graduates are eligible for licensure. Keep in mind that completing a non-accredited program means you won't be eligible for licensure.

Continued List of All RN Programs in Ohio

Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.

RankedSchoolProgramScoreWebsite
21.
Ashland, OH 44805 | Phone: (419) 289-4142
Programs: BSN
91.65
22.
East Liverpool, OH 43920 | Phone: (330) 385-1070
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
91.54
23.
Cincinnati, OH 45223 | Phone: (513) 569-1500
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
90.48
24.
Zanesville, OH 43701 | Phone: (740) 593-4494
Programs: BSN
90.25
25.
Dayton, OH 45435 | Phone: (937) 775-3131
Programs: BSN
90.11
26.
Sandusky, OH 44870 | Phone: (419) 557-7110
Programs: Diploma
90.02
27.
Newark, OH 43055 | Phone: (740) 366-9494
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
89.82
28.
Kent, OH 44242 | Phone: (330) 672-7930
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
89.34
29.
Kirtland, OH 44094 | Phone: (440) 525-7174
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
89.14
30.
St Clairsville, OH 43950 | Phone: (740) 695-9500
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
89.07
31.
North Canton, OH 44720 | Phone: (330) 490-7251
Programs: BSN
89.05
32.
Archbold, OH 43502 | Phone: (419) 267-1246
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.93
33.
Cincinnati, OH 45233 | Phone: (513) 244-4200
Programs: BSN
88.50
34.
Perrysburg, OH 43551 | Phone: (567) 661-7000
Programs: Associate in Nursing
88.19
35.
Akron, OH 44325 | Phone: (330) 972-7551
Programs: BSN
88.12
36.
Cleveland, OH 44115 | Phone: (216) 687-2000
Programs: BSN
88.04
37.
Elyria, OH 44035 | Phone: (440) 336-4015
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
87.79
38.
Columbus, OH 43215 | Phone: (614) 287-5353
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
87.65
39.
Steubenville, OH 43952 | Phone: (740) 283-3771
Programs: BSN
87.65
40.
Pepper Pike, OH 44124 | Phone: (440) 646-8166
Programs: BSN
87.59
41.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050 | Phone: (740) 393-2933
Programs: LPN to RN
87.50
42.
Kettering, OH 45429 | Phone: (937) 395-8619
Programs: LPN to BSN, BSN
87.02
43.
Columbus, OH 43222 | Phone: (614) 234-5800
Programs: BSN
86.98
44.
Cincinnati, OH 45221 | Phone: (513) 558-5500
Programs: BSN, MSN
86.86
45.
Cincinnati, OH 45207 | Phone: (513) 745-3814
Programs: BSN, MSN
86.07
46.
Toledo, OH 43606 | Phone: (419) 383-5859
Programs: BSN
85.88
47.
Bowling Green, OH 43403 | Phone: (419) 372-2531
Programs: BSN
85.72
48.
Mt Vernon, OH 43050 | Phone: (740) 392-6868
Programs: BSN
85.54
49.
Cedarville, OH 45314 | Phone: (937) 766-7700
Programs: BSN
85.32
50.
Cleveland, OH 44115 | Phone: (216) 987-4067
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
84.54
51.
Youngstown, OH 44555 | Phone: (330) 941-3293
Programs: BSN
84.49
52.
Cincinnati, OH 45220 | Phone: (513) 862-2631
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.77
53.
Sandusky, OH 44870 | Phone: (419) 626-6940
Programs: LPN to RN
83.54
54.
Dayton, OH 45402 | Phone: (937) 512-2848
Programs: Associate in Nursing
83.19
55.
Hamilton, OH 45011 | Phone: (513) 785-7752
Programs: BSN
83.01
56.
Fremont, OH 43420 | Phone: (866) 288-3772
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
82.90
57.
Ironton, OH 45638 | Phone: (740) 593-4494
Programs: BSN, LPN to RN
82.83
58.
Cleveland, OH 44103 | Phone: (216) 361-6005
Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
82.45
59.
Steubenville, OH 43952 | Phone: (740) 264-5591
Programs: LPN to ADN
82.36
60.
Lima, OH 45804 | Phone: (419) 995-8218
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
82.32
61.
North Canton, OH 44720 | Phone: (330) 966-5458
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
82.23
62.
Mansfield, OH 44906 | Phone: (419) 755-4800
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
81.95
63.
Hiram, OH 44234 | Phone: (330) 569-6186
Programs: BSN
81.35
64.
Portsmouth, OH 45662 | Phone: (740) 354-3205
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN, BSN
80.58
65.
Marion, OH 43302 | Phone: (740) 389-4636
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
80.25
66.
Parma, OH 44130 | Phone: (216) 265-3151
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
79.86
67.
Hillsboro, OH 45133 | Phone: (937) 393-3431
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
79.13
68.
Toledo, OH 43604 | Phone: (419) 251-1583
Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN
78.10
69.
Jefferson, OH 44047 | Phone: (440) 576-6015
Programs: LPN to RN
78.00
70.
Springfield, OH 45505 | Phone: (937) 325-0691
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
77.51
71.
Sylvania, OH 43560 | Phone: (419) 824-3791
Programs: BSN, LPN to BSN
76.48
72.
Blue Ash, OH 45236 | Phone: (513) 745-5665
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
76.03
73.
Nelsonville, OH 45764 | Phone: (740) 753-6376
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
75.88
74.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 | Phone: (330) 923-9959
Programs: Associate in Nursing
74.44
75.
Akron, OH 44321 | Phone: (330) 598-2500
Programs: Associate in Nursing
73.32
76.
Eastlake, OH 44095 | Phone: (440) 510-1112
Programs: Associate in Nursing
73.24
77.
South Euclid, OH 44121 | Phone: (216) 373-5182
Programs: BSN
72.40
78.
Huber Heights, OH 45424 | Phone: (937) 237-1010
Programs: Diploma
71.59
79.
Rio Grande, OH 45674 | Phone: (740) 245-5353
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
71.09
80.
Westerville, OH 43081 | Phone: (888) 466-3767
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ADN
69.67
81.
Westerville, OH 43081 | Phone: (614) 882-2551
Programs: Associate in Nursing
69.02
82.
Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Phone: (513) 771-2795
Programs: Associate in Nursing
68.30
83.
Lisbon, OH 44432 | Phone: (330) 424-9561
Programs: LPN to RN Diploma
68.14
84.
Chesapeake, OH 45619 | Phone: (740) 867-6641
Programs: LPN to RN
67.06
85.
Centerville, OH 45459 | Phone: (937) 433-3410
Programs: Associate in Nursing
62.73
86.
Canton, OH 44718 | Phone: (330) 494-1214
Programs: Associate in Nursing
60.57
87.
Toledo, OH | Phone: (419) 329-4075
Programs: LPN TO RN
50.44
88.
Toledo, OH 43615 | Phone: (567) 202-1614
Programs: LPN to RN
50.38
89.
Pemberville, OH 43450 | Phone: (419) 833-9100
Programs: Diploma
43.64
90.
Cincinnati, OH 45246 | Phone: (513) 671-1920
Programs: Associate in Nursing
33.96
91.
Columbus, OH 43231 | Phone: (614) 781-1085
Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN
29.34
92.
Dayton, OH 45417 | Phone: (937) 567-8880
Programs: Associate in Nursing, Diploma
28.39
93.
Columbus, OH 43229 | Phone: (614) 825-6255
Programs: Associate in Nursing
27.90
94.
Huron, OH 44839 | Phone: (419) 433-5560
Programs: BSN, LPN to RN
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