Nursing Programs in Columbus, OH
Have you decided to pursue an exciting and rewarding career in nursing? Or maybe you are an experienced licensed practical nurse or RN who wants to go back to school to earn a higher degree and transition into a new phase of your nursing career. Whatever your career goals, the Columbus area has a number of accredited nursing training programs to choose from, including entry-level programs for those new to nursing and advanced practice and bridge programs that help RNs pursue new career paths.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Columbus
Capital University
Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Capital University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing, emphasizing critical thinking and professional judgment. Located in Columbus, OH, students benefit from access to top-ranked hospitals and healthcare organizations. The program boasts a 100% NCLEX exam pass rate in 2024, highlighting its effectiveness. Admission requires a 3.0 high school GPA for first-year students and a 2.75 college GPA for transfers, with specific course prerequisites. The curriculum includes hands-on experiences at renowned institutions, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring high-quality education.
- 100% NCLEX pass rate
- Located in Columbus, OH
- Accredited by CCNE
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Hands-on hospital experiences
- Focus on critical thinking
- Access to top hospitals
- 2.75 GPA for transfers
- Includes Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry
- Small campus, 1:1 mentoring
Chamberlain University-Ohio
Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - chamberlain.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Chamberlain University in Columbus, OH, offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed to be completed in three years of full-time study. This program stands out for its no-prerequisite requirement, allowing students to start nursing classes immediately. With six start dates annually, students have flexibility in beginning their studies. The curriculum includes hands-on experience in the SIMCARE CENTER™ and clinical settings, preparing students for real-world nursing challenges. Financial aid is available for eligible students, making this program accessible to a wide range of aspiring nurses.
- 3-year full-time study
- No prerequisites required
- Six start dates annually
- Hands-on SIMCARE CENTER™ experience
- Clinical setting training
- Financial aid available
- CCNE-accredited program
- Direct entry nursing program
- High-tech nursing labs
- Experienced faculty
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - cscc.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree (A.D.N.)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbus State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree (A.D.N.) designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and a career as a Registered Nurse. This hybrid program blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals, focusing on critical thinking and care management across various healthcare settings. Ideal for students seeking a flexible yet comprehensive nursing education in Ohio.
- Five semester program
- Hybrid learning format
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on critical thinking
- Diverse clinical settings
- Strong psychomotor skills emphasis
- Ohio Board of Nursing licensure
- Admissions Committee support
- Traditional and blended options
- Advanced Standing for LPNs
Bachelor's - Bachelor's Degree Completion in Nursing
Online Learning - Visit Website
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
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA - Public 4-Year - columbusstate.edu
Associate - Associate of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbus State University in Georgia offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program designed to prepare students for careers as registered nurses. This program combines theoretical knowledge with clinical practice, focusing on medical-surgical, maternal-infant, and psychiatric nursing. Admission requires a GPA of 2.0, completion of chemistry and math prerequisites, and recent science courses. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam, opening doors to diverse healthcare settings.
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Focus on medical-surgical nursing
- Includes maternal-infant nursing
- Psychiatric nursing component
- Requires GPA of 2.0
- Chemistry and math prerequisites
- Recent science courses required
- Diverse healthcare career opportunities
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Columbus State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program prepares students for a rewarding career in healthcare. With a focus on hands-on experience, students benefit from a low student-to-instructor ratio, ensuring personalized attention. The program boasts a high licensing exam pass rate and a 100% employment rate within six months of graduation. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, it offers a solid foundation for entry-level nursing positions and advanced study opportunities. Financial aid and scholarships are available to help make this career-changing education accessible.
- High licensing exam pass rate
- 100% employment rate
- Low student-to-instructor ratio
- Accredited by CCNE
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Financial aid available
- Prepares for entry-level positions
- Opportunities for advanced study
Hondros College of Nursing
Columbus, OH - Private 2-year - hondros.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hondros College of Nursing in Ohio offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program designed for aspiring Registered Nurses. This campus-based program prepares students with advanced leadership and patient care skills through hands-on learning. With a focus on critical thinking and patient advocacy, students gain the expertise needed for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program spans 61 credits, costing $25,742, and can be completed in as few as 15 months. Flexible scheduling options include days or nights and weekends at select campuses. No wait list and multiple start dates make enrollment straightforward for students at any life stage.
- 61 credits total.
- Tuition: $25,742.
- Complete in 15 months.
- Campus-based learning.
- Flexible day/night schedules.
- No wait list for enrollment.
- Multiple start dates yearly.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Hands-on patient care training.
- Advanced leadership skills focus.
Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Columbus, OH
If you are new nursing, the place to begin is an entry-level training program. These programs introduce students to nursing and prepare them for the NCLEX licensing exam. In Columbus, the options for entry-level nursing programs include LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. There are some similarities in the curriculum between these programs, but each type has a different completion time and outcome.
LPN to RN Programs
Called “bridge” programs because they provide a bridge from one career to the next, LPN to RN training programs help experienced LPNs become registered nurses. With more responsibilities and higher wages than LPNs, becoming an RN is an attractive career path for many practical nurses. Columbus State Community College, for example, offers an LPN completion program that offers life experience credits toward the ADN for some of the early nursing credits.
ADN Programs
An ADN program will provide students with a foundational knowledge of nursing in various settings, including clinical practice experience. Fortis College – Westerville offers an ADN program in a hybrid format in which some courses are offered online, which may be particularly convenient for working students or those with family obligations.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
Like LPN bridge programs and ADN programs, BSN programs prepare nurses for their first professional jobs as RNs. However, BSN programs include additional coursework and generally take about twice as long to complete. They are becoming more popular as entry points to nursing, as employers are increasingly looking to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN as well as an accelerated BSN for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing topic.
Find out more about Ohio Accelerated BSN Programs
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Columbus, OH
Similar to LPN to RN bridge programs, some schools offer RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs that help RNs with an ADN earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Often completed on an accelerated pathway, RN to BSN/MSN programs provide students with credit for previous coursework and clinical experience.
RN to BSN Programs
Oftentimes, RN to BSN bridge programs are offered in an online or hybrid format, which is an attractive option for working nurses. Online programs, such as the one offered at the Ohio State University, may also offer the option of taking classes on a full- or part-time basis and can be completed in a little as one year of study.
Find out more about Ohio RN to BSN Programs
RN to MSN Programs
Perhaps less common than RN to BSN programs, some schools do offer RN to MSN programs that are designed for nurses who hold an RN license who want to earn a master’s degree and move into advanced practice nursing careers. Otterbein University offers an RN to MSN program in a hybrid online/on-campus format that prepares students for careers as family nurse practitioners or psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners.
Find out more about Ohio RN to MSN Programs
Columbus, OH
Capital University
- RN to BSN - BSN Completion Program
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Flexible hybrid learning format
- Designed for working RNs
- Requires 2.5 minimum GPA
- Current RN licensure needed
- Multicultural nursing focus
- Research and leadership courses
- Ohio Nursing Articulation Model participant
Franklin University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Complete in 12 months online
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- $298 per credit hour
- CCNE Accredited Program
- No textbook purchase required
- Designed for working RNs
- 100% online coursework
- 120 total credit hours
- RN to MSN - MSN-FNP
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- 41 semester credit hours
- 27-month completion time
- 100% FNP certification exam pass rate
- Online coursework with on-site clinicals
- No GMAT/GRE required
- CCNE accredited program
- 600 total clinical hours
- $670 per credit hour
Ohio State University
- RN to BSN - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Website
- Ranked #5 online bachelor's program
- No textbook costs for nursing courses
- Fully online flexible program
- Accredited nursing program
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice
- Supports professional career advancement
- Low student-to-instructor ratios
- Multiple enrollment start dates
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Columbus, OH
For many nurses with several years of working experience, the next step in their careers is to pursue leadership, administration or advanced practice positions in nursing. For these nurses, pursuing an advanced practice degree will get them where they want to go in their careers. In and around Columbus, nurses can choose from traditional MSN programs, graduate certificate programs and doctoral study of nursing (Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Philosophy).
MSN Programs
Traditional MSN programs are designed for experienced nurses with a BSN degree who want to pursue leadership positions or become nurse practitioners. Many of these programs allow students to concentrate their studies along a particular career pathway. Mount Carmel College of Nursing, for example, offers MSN programs in Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Administration, and Nursing Education.
Find out more about Ohio Nurse Practitioner Programs.
Post-Master's Certificate Programs
Post-master's certificate courses are available for nurses with their MSN who want to learn a new segment of advanced practice nursing. For example, Capital University offers a post-master’s nurse educator certificate program that can be completed in 16 months of study.
Find out more about Ohio Post-Master's Certificate Programs.
DNP & Ph.D. Programs
Another option for nurses who want to pursue leadership positions in nursing is to earn a doctorate degree. The options for doctoral study in nursing include DNP programs that prepare nurses for advanced practice and leadership positions and Ph.D. programs that prepare students for careers in nursing research. Ohio State University also offers a variety of BSN to DNP programs in which students earn their MSN and DNP degrees concurrently.
Find out more about Ohio DNP Programs.
Columbus, OH
Capital University
- BSN to MSN - MBA/MSN Dual Degree
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid degree program
- CCNE and ACBSP accredited
- Multiple nursing concentrations
- Columbus healthcare network access
- Leadership-focused curriculum
- Interdisciplinary learning approach
- Clinical and business perspectives
- Experiential learning opportunities
- BSN to MSN - MSN Education
Online Learning - Website
- Nursing Education concentration available
- Online 8/16-week course formats
- 360+ hours field experience
- Admitted 3x yearly: Aug, Jan, May
- 20 students or fewer per class
- Flexible full/part-time options
- Clinical experiences near Columbus
- Graduates work at top hospitals/universities
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Administration - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid program format.
- Focus on Nursing Administration.
- Includes MBA courses.
- Over 360 hours of field experience.
- Flexible 8 or 16-week courses.
- Small class sizes.
- Full-time or part-time enrollment.
- Ohio nursing license required.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Quality and Safety - Online Learning - Website
- Flexible online learning formats
- 360+ hours field experience
- Close to top hospitals
- 20 students per class
- Multiple enrollment periods
- Quality and Safety focus
- Ohio nursing license required
- CCNE/NLNAC accreditation preferred
- Graduate Certificate - Nursing Education Certificate
Campus Based - Website
- 8 graduate-level courses
- 16-month program duration
- Prepares nurses for classroom/clinical education
- Advanced health assessment focus
- Clinical and laboratory teaching experience
- Capstone practicum included
- For Master's of Science in Nursing graduates
Franklin University
- BSN to MSN - M.S. in Nursing-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible nursing program
- CCNE accredited degree
- Specialization in adult-gerontology
- Advanced clinical preparation
- Leadership skill development
- 150-hour clinical experiences
- Comprehensive patient care focus
- Advanced pathophysiology training
- BSN to MSN - M.S. in Nursing-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- 42 Semester Credit Hours
- 28-Month Program Length
- $670 Per Credit Hour
- 600 Clinical Practice Hours
- CCNE Accredited Program
- No GMAT/GRE Required
- Transfer Up to 12 Credits
- Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online coursework
- 31 credit hours total
- 24-month completion time
- Competitive $670 per credit
- CCNE Accredited program
- Built-in clinical hours
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- No GMAT/GRE required
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online coursework
- 31 credit hours total
- 24-month completion time
- No GRE/GMAT required
- CCNE accredited program
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- Built-in asynchronous practicum
- $670 per credit hour
- Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 32 Credit Hours
- 24 Month Completion
- 100% Online Coursework
- No GMAT/GRE Required
- CCNE Accredited
- $670 Per Credit Hour
- Built-in Clinical Hours
- Transfer Credits Available
- MSN to DNP - DNP - Leadership Track
Concentration: Health Informatics - Online Learning - Website
- Online coursework, 38 credit hours
- Finish in 2 years
- CCNE Accredited program
- 42% maximum transfer credit
- Health Informatics concentration
- Built-in practicum hours
- $1,500 Smart Start Scholarship
- Leadership and innovation focus
- MSN to DNP - DNP - Leadership Track
Concentration: Healthcare Administration - Online Learning - Website
- Online coursework
- 2 year completion
- CCNE accredited
- 42% transfer credit
- 1000 practicum hours
- DNP scholarly project
- $1,500 scholarship
- Focus on leadership
- MSN to DNP - DNP - Leadership Track
Concentration: Public Administration - Online Learning - Website
- Online coursework, finish in 2 years
- 38 total credit hours
- $1,500 Smart Start Scholarship
- 42% maximum transfer credits
- CCNE accredited program
- Built-in practicum hours
- Public Administration concentration
- Tuition around $26,924
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice-Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online coursework
- 53 total credit hours
- 1,100 practicum hours
- Finish in 3 years
- CCNE Accredited
- $748 per credit hour
- Ages 13+ patient focus
- Evidence-based curriculum
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% Online Coursework
- 54 Credit Hour Program
- Finish in 3 Years
- $748 Per Credit Hour
- CCNE Accredited
- 1,100 Total Practicum Hours
- No Dissertation Required
- Automatic $2,000 Scholarship
Ohio State University
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- One year acute care experience required
- Multiple degree pathway options
- Advanced clinical practice focus
- High-acuity care preparation
- Certification exam eligibility
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Advanced practice nursing specialty
- Online and campus options
- Multiple degree pathways
- ANCC/AANP certification eligible
- Comprehensive clinical training
- BSN to MSN - Dual Nurse-Midwifery & Women's Health NP
Campus Based - Website
- Dual certification opportunity
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
- Extensive clinical practicum hours
- ACME accredited specialty track
- National certification eligibility
- BSN to MSN - Dual Nurse-Midwifery & Women's Health NP
Concentration: Women's Health NP - Campus Based - Website
- Dual specialty certification track
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
- Extensive clinical practicum hours
- ACME accredited program
- Advanced practice nursing curriculum
- National certification preparation
- Menarche to menopause care
- Pregnancy and reproductive health
- BSN to MSN - Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Distance-enhanced learning format
- Ranked #2 online master's program
- Requires 24 months NICU experience
- Evidence-based practice curriculum
- Multiple degree pathway options
- Clinicals near student's community
- World-class neonatal faculty
- BSN to MSN - Nurse-Midwifery
Campus Based - Website
- Comprehensive women's healthcare focus
- National certification preparation
- Advanced clinical practicum hours
- Accredited by ACME
- Multiple clinical practicum levels
- Extensive core and specialty courses
- Advanced nursing practice preparation
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Acute Care - Campus Based - Website
- 600 hours clinical experience
- Multiple degree pathway options
- Certification preparation
- Full-time and part-time
- Advanced pediatric care focus
- BSN to MSN - Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Primary Care - Campus Based - Website
- 600 clinical practice hours
- Multiple degree pathway options
- National certification preparation
- Nationwide Children's Hospital partnership
- Evidence-based curriculum design
- BSN to MSN - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 600 clinical training hours
- Meets national certification standards
- Flexible part-time options
- Care across all age ranges
- Multiple degree pathways
- Interdisciplinary healthcare collaboration
- Evidence-based mental health curriculum
- BSN to MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Campus Based - Website
- Advanced clinical practicum experiences
- Comprehensive women's health focus
- National certification preparation
- Multiple degree pathway options
- Interdisciplinary learning environment
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three to four-year program duration
- Synchronous distance learning options
- Advanced practice certification
- Multiple specialty tracks available
- Ohio state licensure preparation
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)
Concentration: Academic Nursing Education - Online Learning - Website
- First DNE program nationwide
- Online synchronous coursework
- Two specialization tracks
- Full-time: 2 years study
- Part-time: 3 years study
- Autumn 2025 application deadline: March 1
- Fellowship opportunities available
- Pre-accredited program
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Education (DNE)
Concentration: Nursing Professional Development - Online Learning - Website
- First DNE program nationwide
- Online synchronous coursework
- Two specialization tracks
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 years
- Application deadline: March 1
- Targets master's-prepared nurses
- Pre-accreditation status
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three to four year program
- Distance learning options
- Advanced practice certification
- Synchronous online classes
- Multiple campus visits
- Comprehensive mental health focus
- Multiple practice setting preparation
Westerville, OH
Otterbein University
- BSN to MSN - Clinical Nurse Leader
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 30 total credit hours
- 320-hour clinical immersion
- Hybrid learning format
- Leadership skill development
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Transformational change projects
- Advanced nursing roles preparation
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner, BSN to DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- BSN to MSN/DNP pathway
- 66 total graduate credit hours
- 600 clinical hours
- Online and on-campus components
- Prepares for national certification
- Tuition: $28,191 MSN
- Flexible program completion options
- Advanced practice core courses
- BSN to MSN - Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Online coursework flexibility
- Community-based clinical experiences
- Part-time study option
- Small class sizes
- Expert nursing faculty
- Graduate-level courses early
- MSN tuition ~$36,144
- Multiple scholarship options
- Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 31 graduate credit hours
- Online with campus lab
- 600 clinical hours
- Prepares for certification exams
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- One year nursing experience
- Advanced practice core courses
- Precepted clinical experiences
- Graduate Certificate - Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate
Online Learning - Website
- 42 total graduate credit hours
- Fully online program
- Prepares for ANCC certification
- Clinical experiences in community
- Minimum 1-year nursing experience required
- 3.0 GPA minimum threshold
- Advanced practice core courses
- Multiple clinical internship courses
- MSN to DNP - Family Nurse Practitioner, ADN2(MSN+1)=DNP
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Hybrid online/face-to-face classes
- Associate's to DNP pathway
- Clinical experiences locally
- Small class sizes
- Expert nursing faculty
- Graduate-level courses early
- MSN tuition: $28,191
- DNP tuition: $46,989
