Best RN to BSN Programs Near Columbus, Ohio
- 2025 RN to BSN Programs Near Columbus, Ohio
- Why Pursue a BSN in Columbus?
- Key Features of Columbus-Area RN to BSN Programs
- Admissions and Prerequisites
- Cost and Financial Support
- Advancing Your Career with a BSN
- Local Resources and Support
- Choosing the Right Program for You
- Moving Forward with Confidence
- Sources
- Latest Articles & Guides

Nursing continues to evolve as a profession, with more hospitals and healthcare systems pushing for higher education standards. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, more than 250,000 nurses are licensed in the state, and the trend toward bachelor’s education is evident. Recent national data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing shows a consistent increase in BSN enrollments, underscoring the value of a baccalaureate education. For registered nurses (RNs) practicing near Columbus, Ohio, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) not only meets employer expectations but also opens doors to leadership, specialized practice, and higher earning potential.
Columbus is home to a thriving healthcare sector, with major employers like OhioHealth, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The demand for BSN-prepared nurses continues to rise, aligning with national goals set by organizations like the Institute of Medicine. For RNs ready to take the next step, Central Ohio offers several flexible, accredited RN to BSN programs designed to support working professionals.
2025 RN to BSN Programs Near Columbus, Ohio
Looking for the best RN to BSN programs near Columbus, Ohio in 2025? RegisteredNursing.org has you covered with a carefully curated list of top programs to help you advance your nursing career. Our rankings highlight schools that offer quality education, flexible schedules, and support to fit your busy life. Whether you're just starting or looking to move up, finding the right program is easier with our trusted list. We take pride in guiding nurses to make informed decisions about their education. Learn more about how we rank these programs by visiting https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/.
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Ohio State University-Main Campus offers an esteemed RN to BSN online program, tailored for registered nurses aiming to enhance their clinical and professional skills. This program stands out for its no textbook cost policy for nursing courses, making it an economically smart choice for advancing education. Recognized as the #5 online bachelor's program, it provides a fully online, flexible curriculum that accommodates working nurses. With a focus on evidence-based practice and leadership development, graduates are well-prepared to lead in diverse healthcare environments. The program boasts low student-to-instructor ratios and multiple start dates, ensuring personalized attention and convenience. No ACT or SAT is required for admission, aligning with its commitment to accessibility for all registered nurses.
- 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
Capital University
Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu
Bachelor's - BSN Completion Program
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Capital University's BSN Completion Program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to advance their education through a hybrid learning format. This program is ideal for RNs with an associate degree or diploma, offering the flexibility to balance studies with professional commitments. It emphasizes contemporary nursing practices, multicultural healthcare, and research, requiring a 2.5 GPA and current RN licensure for admission. Unique features include participation in the Ohio Nursing Articulation Model and a curriculum that enhances clinical skills alongside academic knowledge, preparing graduates for broader career opportunities.
- 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
Wittenberg University
Springfield, OH - Private 4-year - wittenberg.edu
Bachelor's - RN-BSN Degree Completion
Online Learning - Visit Website
Wittenberg University's RN-BSN Degree Completion program offers registered nurses with an associate's degree a flexible online pathway to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Tailored for working professionals, the program emphasizes nursing leadership, cultural competence, and health assessment, requiring 24 semester hours in nursing courses. Admission prerequisites include an associate's degree in nursing and a current RN license, with no mention of ACT or SAT requirements. This program stands out for its focus on contemporary nursing issues, evidence-based practice, and healthcare informatics, providing nurses with the skills needed for advanced roles in the healthcare sector. Its military-friendly approach and lack of specific start date restrictions further enhance its appeal to a diverse student body.
- Online program flexibility.
- 24 semester hours required.
- Focus on nursing leadership.
- Cultural competence in healthcare.
- Health assessment skills.
- Evidence-based practice research.
- Community health nursing concepts.
- Health care informatics.
- No specific start date restrictions.
- Requires associate's degree in nursing.
Marion Technical College
Marion, OH - Public 4-Year - mtc.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Marion Technical College offers an RN to BSN program designed for registered nurses seeking to elevate their careers through a bachelor's degree. This 100% online program emphasizes flexibility, allowing nurses to balance work and studies while advancing their knowledge in evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. Requiring a minimum GPA of 2.5 and current RN licensure, the program can be completed in as little as three semesters, covering 30 credit hours. It stands out for its articulation agreements and the opportunity to explore multiple career pathways within healthcare, all within a five-year completion window. No entrance exam is required for admission.
- 100% Online Program
- 30 Credit Hours Required
- Complete in 3 Semesters
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Current RN License Needed
- Articulation Agreements Available
- Multiple Career Pathways
- Five-Year Completion Window
Central Ohio Technical College
Newark, OH - Public 4-Year - cotc.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Central Ohio Technical College offers an RN to BSN online program tailored for registered nurses seeking career advancement without sacrificing their current roles. This 60-credit curriculum is structured around eight-week courses, providing the flexibility to balance studies with professional and personal commitments. Notably, the program does not mandate specific assignment deadlines, further accommodating busy schedules. Affordable tuition and the option to complete the practicum at one's workplace underscore the program's commitment to accessibility. With six annual entry points and a requirement for an RN license, this program is designed for seamless integration into nurses' lives, enhancing their leadership capabilities and healthcare expertise without the need for campus visits.
- 100% Online Program
- Two-Year Completion Timeline
- No Campus Attendance Required
- Flexible Eight-Week Courses
- Low Tuition Rates
- RN License Required
- Capstone Practicum Option
- ACEN Accreditation Candidacy
- Six Annual Entry Points
- Minimum 2.0 GPA Requirement
Franklin University
Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - franklin.edu
Bachelor's - RN to BSN
Online Learning - Visit Website
Franklin University's RN to BSN online program is tailored for registered nurses seeking to elevate their professional standing without sacrificing their current work commitments. This program stands out for its accelerated completion timeline of just 12 months, affordability at $298 per credit hour, and the flexibility of transferring up to 90 credits. Emphasizing nursing leadership, evidence-based practice, and health informatics, the curriculum is designed to enhance clinical competence and prepare graduates for advanced roles in healthcare. Notably, the program is CCNE accredited, requires no textbook purchases, and is entirely online, making it an ideal choice for busy professionals aiming for career growth in nursing.
- 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
- Advanced nursing leadership focus
Why Pursue a BSN in Columbus?
Columbus, Ohio, combines “big city” opportunity with Midwestern accessibility. With its strong healthcare infrastructure and emphasis on education, it’s an ideal location for nurses seeking to advance their credentials. The city's cost of living is lower than the national average, yet its professional nursing opportunities rival larger metro areas.
The region's healthcare networks often give preference to BSN-prepared nurses for roles in management, public health, and specialized units. Moreover, local employers frequently collaborate with nearby universities, offering tuition reimbursement or clinical placements.
Explore other nursing programs in Columbus, OH.
Key Features of Columbus-Area RN to BSN Programs
RN to BSN programs in and around Columbus offer a range of formats to accommodate the working nurse. These programs are designed to be accessible, affordable, and aligned with current clinical practice standards:
- Online and Hybrid Formats: Many institutions offer fully online programs, allowing RNs to complete coursework on their schedules. Hybrid options blend online coursework with occasional in-person requirements.
- Accelerated Paths: Some schools allow RNs to complete their BSN in as little as 12 months, depending on transfer credits and course load.
- Clinical Practice and Community Projects: Programs often incorporate capstone or practicum components, which may be completed at local health facilities or within the community.
Admissions and Prerequisites
To ensure readiness for upper-level nursing coursework, most RN to BSN programs near Columbus require the following:
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited program
- Minimum GPA (usually 2.5–3.0)
- Official transcripts and background checks
Some schools may also require prerequisite courses in statistics, microbiology, or English composition. Prospective students should consult each program's admissions page to confirm specific requirements.
Cost and Financial Support
The cost of RN to BSN programs in Central Ohio varies by institution type, but many schools aim to keep tuition affordable for working nurses. Below is a general comparison of typical tuition ranges:
School Type | Estimated Total Tuition |
Public Universities | $8,000–$12,000 |
Private Colleges | $12,000–$20,000 |
Financial support options include federal student aid, state-specific grants, institutional scholarships, and employer tuition reimbursement. Many Columbus-area health systems, including OhioHealth and Mount Carmel Health, offer tuition assistance programs for employees.
Advancing Your Career with a BSN
A BSN degree prepares nurses for advanced clinical and administrative roles. It broadens nursing knowledge in areas like health policy, evidence-based practice, informatics, and population health. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue the following roles:
- Clinical leadership and nurse management
- Public health and community outreach
- Specialized hospital units (e.g., ICU, oncology)
- Case management and care coordination
For example, a nurse working at Nationwide Children's Hospital with a BSN may be eligible to step into a care coordinator role, helping manage complex pediatric care plans. Columbus employers often favor BSN holders for promotional opportunities and leadership tracks.
Local Resources and Support
Nursing students in Columbus have access to a rich professional network that enhances learning and career development. The following organizations and groups provide continuing education, mentoring, and advocacy:
- Ohio Nurses Association (ONA): Headquartered in Columbus, ONA offers advocacy, continuing education units (CEUs), and networking events.
- Central Ohio Organization of Nurse Executives (COONE): Supports nurse leaders and administrators through professional development and collaboration.
- Student Organizations: Many local RN to BSN programs host student associations that provide tutoring, peer mentoring, and leadership opportunities.
Engaging with these groups not only enriches the educational experience but also provides pathways to local nursing job opportunities and post-BSN specialization.
Choosing the Right Program for You
Selecting the right RN to BSN program requires careful evaluation of both academic quality and practical considerations. Factors to consider include:
- Flexibility: Can coursework be completed asynchronously or around shift work?
- Clinical Relevance: Are there local clinical sites or community health projects that align with career goals?
- Accreditation: Programs should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
- Support Services: High-quality advising, career counseling, and access to learning resources can significantly impact student success.
Researching program outcomes, such as graduation rates and alumni employment, can also help in making an informed decision.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Advancing from RN to BSN in Ohio is more than a professional upgrade; it's a strategic investment in long-term career growth and patient care excellence. With a broad selection of accredited programs, flexible scheduling, and strong regional support, Central Ohio offers RNs the tools needed to thrive. Choosing the right program is the first step toward expanded roles, increased earnings, and a deeper impact in nursing practice.
Completing a BSN also lays the groundwork for future educational goals, such as earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or becoming a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader. Columbus, as a regional healthcare hub, offers clear pathways for RNs to continue their progression through advanced practice and administrative leadership.
Ultimately, the RN to BSN journey enhances not only career prospects but also the quality of care delivered to patients across Central Ohio. With strong academic partners, employer support, and a growing demand for highly educated nurses, now is an ideal time for RNs in the Columbus area to take the next step and lead the future of nursing.
Sources
- Ohio Board of Nursing
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing
- Ohio Nurses Association
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- OhioHealth Tuition Reimbursement
- Nationwide Children's Hospital Careers
- CCNE Accreditation
- ACEN Accreditation
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
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