Nurses work hard to demonstrate innovation and communication in their day-to-day duties and interactions with doctors, fellow nurses, and patients. With professional excellence as their guide, many nurses look to the bachelor’s level of study in order to continue their professional development in the hopes of creating a healthier future for individuals and communities. For current registered nurses without a bachelor’s degree, an RN to BSN program is perfect.

2026 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Ohio

Registered Nursing (.org) proudly presents its comprehensive ranking of the best online RN to BSN programs in Ohio, designed to help nursing professionals advance their careers through flexible distance learning options. These virtual programs offer registered nurses the opportunity to enhance their education without disrupting their current work schedules, providing a seamless pathway to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Online RN to BSN programs have become increasingly important, allowing nurses to expand their clinical knowledge, improve patient care skills, and increase their professional marketability while maintaining their existing responsibilities. Our expert team carefully evaluates each program based on academic quality, student support, faculty credentials, and overall student success rates. Learn more about our comprehensive ranking methodology.
#1

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Cincinnati's RN to BSN Online program provides a streamlined educational pathway for licensed registered nurses seeking career advancement. Delivered entirely online, this program enables working professionals to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing without interrupting their current employment. Students can expect a flexible curriculum with only nine nursing courses and no clinical requirements, allowing completion within 9-18 months. The program boasts CCNE accreditation, multiple annual start dates, and an affordable tuition rate of $564 per credit hour. Uniquely designed to accommodate busy healthcare professionals, the curriculum emphasizes interprofessional learning and offers options in Public Health Nursing and Nurse Educator tracks.

  • 100% online program
  • No clinical requirements
  • Only 9 nursing courses
  • Six annual start dates
  • CCNE accredited program
  • Flexible completion time
  • Easy credit transfer
  • Public Health Nursing option
  • Nurse Educator track available
  • Interprofessional curriculum
#2

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Campus Based - Visit Website

#3

Ohio State University

Columbus, OH - Public 4-Year - osu.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Ohio State University's fully online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a dynamic pathway to advance their professional capabilities. Tailored for associate degree nurses seeking career progression, the program eliminates traditional textbook expenses while providing comprehensive curriculum focusing on evidence-based practice and clinical leadership. Students benefit from flexible learning options, multiple enrollment start dates, and a curriculum that emphasizes holistic patient care strategies. The program stands out with its innovative approach to nursing education, supporting professional development through low student-to-instructor ratios and comprehensive wellness training. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible for working nurses seeking academic advancement.

  • 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
#4

Mercy College of Ohio

Toledo, OH - Private 4-year - mercycollege.edu

RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Mercy College of Ohio offers a robust online RN-BSN program tailored for practicing registered nurses seeking career advancement. The curriculum strategically transforms associate degree or diploma credentials into a comprehensive bachelor's degree, achievable within just twelve months for full-time students. Graduates develop sophisticated leadership and research skills essential for modern healthcare environments. The program provides exceptional flexibility, with rolling admissions and potential transfer of 32-39 credits. Students benefit from Christian values integration and a pathway to potential MSN fast track options. Requiring an active RN license and minimum 2.0 GPA, the program prepares nurses for expanded professional opportunities in diverse clinical settings, with Toledo area median salaries around $57,800.

  • 100% Online Nursing Courses
  • Flexible Start Times
  • One-Year Full-Time Completion
  • 32-39 Transfer Credits
  • MSN Fast Track Option
  • Rolling Admissions
  • Required Active RN License
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Accredited Nursing Program
  • Christian Values Integration
#5

Ohio University

Athens, OH - Public 4-Year - ohio.edu

RN to BSN - RN to BSN

Online Learning - Visit Website

Ohio University's 100% online RN to BSN program offers registered nurses a streamlined pathway to academic advancement. The curriculum is strategically designed for working professionals, enabling full degree completion in just one year with an affordable tuition under $10,000. Students benefit from flexible 5-week classes, 8 annual start dates, and a transfer-friendly approach. The program requires an active RN license, an associate degree in nursing, and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Graduates emerge from a nationally ranked nursing school with enhanced career opportunities and comprehensive online support services. No specific entrance exam is required for this online program, making it an accessible option for practicing nurses seeking professional development.

  • 100% Online Degree
  • Affordable Under $10,000
  • Completion in 1 Year
  • 8 Annual Start Dates
  • Flexible 5-Week Classes
  • 120 Total Credit Program
  • Transfer Credit Friendly
  • Multiple Online Support Services
*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 collection.

Fast & Affordable Program Options

If you’re looking for a cheap and easy way to get your bachelor’s degree in nursing, there really isn’t a better choice than an RN to BSN. This accelerated track is available and most nursing schools and builds on a nursing existing education and experience to deliver a much shorter (and more affordable) education.

Fastest Online RN to BSN Degree Options

If you’re like most nurses, you have little room in your schedule for yourself not to mention going back to school. However, with an RN to BSN program, you usually aren’t going to need to be in school for more than two years, and you’ll often have the opportunity to work at your own place through the use of online learning. This creates a timely and flexible learning environment perfect for nurses who are working full-time.

SchoolDegree NameLength
Ohio UniversityOnline RN to BSN1 Year
Ohio State UniversityRN to BSN1 Year

Learn more about the Quickest RN to BSN Programs.

Do 6-month RN to BSN Programs Exist?

They do, though you likely won’t find them available in Ohio. To be eligible for a 6-month RN to BSN program, you need to have a significant number of credits available for transfer, and most schools have a limit on the amount you are allowed to transfer. That doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to search for these options out of state, however.

Cheapest Online RN to BSN Options

For some students, the benefit of saving money on their education is much more attractive than the benefit of a timely RN to BSN program. Spending less time in the classroom means that your financial obligation to your chosen program will be relatively small compared to a traditional 4-year BSN program. Furthermore, the affordability of an RN to BSN program may be further compounded by residency status (depending on the school) or if you receive your education primarily online. Below are a few of the most affordable options in Ohio.

SchoolDegree NameTuition Cost
University of CincinnatiOnline RN to BSN$3,375 per year (Resident)

$3,632 per year (Online)

$6,991 per year (Non-Resident)

Shawnee State UniversityOnline RN to BSN$10,448 per year (Resident)

$16,928 per year (Non-Resident)

Learn more about Affordable RN to BSN Degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Accredited RN to BSN Programs

Throughout the state, there is some variance in the requirements for RN to BSN programs; each university decides what admissions requirements will ensure that the best nurses can gain entry to the program and earn their undergraduate degrees. Nurses can expect to encounter the following types of requirements; we encourage you to check directly with your accredited school of choice for school-specific admission criteria.

  • Proof of residence in a state that has an articulation agreement with Ohio’s university network
  • Associate’s Degree in Nursing from a school that is approved by the Ohio State Board of Nursing
  • Proof of cumulative GPA of 2.0+
  • Valid U.S. RN license without encumbrances
  • Pre-requisite nursing and arts courses have been met
  • Provide proof of current immunizations

Classes & Courses: What is the Curriculum Like?

Ashland University simplifies the process of undertaking the process of moving from RN to BSN. With dedicated faculty, some of whom have international acclaim, students advance at a flexible pace through course material such as:

  • Introduction to Informatics in Healthcare
  • Genetics and Healthcare
  • Research & Evidence-Based Practice
  • Health Care Systems
  • Community & Public Health
  • Health Care Systems
  • Legal, Ethical & Political Perspectives

27 credit hours in nursing are required, in addition to as many art courses as an individual needs in order to make up the entire BSN curriculum at Ashland.

2026 List of RN to BSN Programs in Ohio

Take a look at Ohios best accredited RN to BSN programs in the listings below.

Find RN to BSN Programs By City:

Jump to City:

,

Ohio

Akron, OH

University of Akron
  • RN to BSN - Nursing, RN/BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in one year
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • First university with ELNEC training

Ashland, OH

Ashland University
  • RN to BSN Post-licensure Program

Athens, OH

Ohio University
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
    • Complete in in as little as one year
    • 120 total credit hours
    • 8 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • 31.5 clinical hours
    • Capstone required

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • 3-Semester program
    • Complete in as few as three semesters
    • 30 total credit hours
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available

Burton, OH

Kent State University at Geauga
  • RN to BSN - Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Online RN to BSN
    • BSN coordinator available

Canton, OH

Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • $315 per credit hour
    • Finish in five semesters
    • Designed for RNs
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Fall and spring starts
    • August 15 fall deadline
    • December 19 spring deadline

Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
  • RN to BSN - Nursing RN-to-BSN Completion Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • $9,400 total program tuition
    • 3-Semester program
    • Apply by 2026-07-01
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • 45 clinical hours
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati
  • RN to BSN - Online RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 12-16 months full-time
    • Online class mode
    • Six start times per year
    • No application fee
    • CCNE-accredited program
    • Active RN license required
    • Official college transcript required
    • Transfer credits accepted
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program delivery.
    • 120 total credits required.
    • Unencumbered RN license needed.
    • Seven-week session terms.
    • Capstone course included.
    • Credit transfer allowed.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Scholarships available.
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Full-time and part-time options
    • 100% online
    • No mandatory login times
University of Cincinnati
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Apply by 2026-03-15
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts spring/summer/fall
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Capstone required
    • $0 application fee
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Financial aid available

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • $240 per credit
    • 3-Semester program
    • Complete in complete the CSU Online RN to BSN program in only three semesters
    • 27 total credit hours
    • 11 total courses
    • 95% on-time graduation rate
    • Prepares for graduate nursing programs
    • Career advancement assistance

Columbus, OH

Chamberlain University-Ohio
  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Option

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework
    • Complete in 10 months
    • $635 per credit hour
    • 2.0 minimum GPA required
    • Active RN license needed
    • 77 proficiency credits awarded
    • 122 total credits required
    • No tests except MATH 225
Columbus State Community College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online classes
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Low tuition
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • $192.93 per credit hour
    • Estimated cost $9,878
    • Minimum 2.0 GPA required
    • Associate degree in nursing required
Felbry College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • RN to BSN Completion Program
    • Associate degree or diploma required
    • Preferred GPA of 2.5
    • Two character reference letters
    • No NCLEX exam at completion
    • Distance education format
    • Eligible for BSN-RN jobs
Franklin University
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 12-Month program
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • 6-week course format
    • Up to 90 transfer credits
    • AACN-aligned curriculum
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
  • RN to BSN - Online RN-BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online RN-BSN program
    • RN license required
    • 2 to 3 semesters
    • Full time available
    • Part time study available
    • Low student/faculty ratio
    • 25-30 students per course
    • Individualized faculty support
Ohio State University
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE accredited
    • Complete in 12-15 months
    • 24 total credit hours
    • 8 total courses
    • Apply by 2026-04-30
    • Rolling admissions
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Starts spring/summer/fall

Dayton, OH

Sinclair Community College
  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
    • 121 total credit hours
    • Capstone required
    • Financial aid available
    • RN to BSN completion degree
    • Builds on associate degree nursing
    • Valid RN license required
    • Addresses regional RN shortage

Defiance, OH

Defiance College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online format
    • Complete in as little as one year
    • 8-week course terms
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Valid nursing license required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Tuition deferment available
    • Financial aid options

Huron, OH

Bowling Green State University-Firelands
  • Nursing (RN to BSN)

Lima, OH

James A. Rhodes State College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 1-Year program
    • Complete in completed in one year
    • 57 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts fall
    • Cohort-based structure
    • Financial aid available

Mansfield, OH

North Central State College
  • RN to BSN - Baccalaureate of Science Nursing, BS

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing accredited
    • 4-Semester program
    • 122 total credit hours
    • Candidate for ACEN accreditation
    • Four-semester completion program
    • Online coursework with clinical rotation
    • Prepares for graduate studies
    • Focus on servant leadership

Marietta, OH

Washington State Community College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Rolling admissions
    • 100% job placement rate
    • Local employer: Marietta Memorial Hospital
    • Local employer: Camden Clark Medical Center
    • On-time completion rate: 70.5% (2024)
    • 100% completion rate for 2025 cohort

Marion, OH

Marion Technical College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Complete in in as little as three semesters
    • 121 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • Starts spring/summer/fall
    • 100% job placement rate
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Online with optional workshops

Maumee, OH

Professional Skills Institute
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Degree Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • Finish in as few as 12 months
    • $225 cost per credit
    • 100% online coursework
    • 12-week sessions
    • Two on-site practicum experiences
    • Transfer up to 50% of credits
    • Flexible online learning schedule
    • Financial aid available

New Concord, OH

Muskingum University
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • Active Ohio RN license required
    • 23 nursing credit hours required
    • Includes Community Health Nursing
    • Includes Nursing Leadership course
    • Biomedical Ethics course required
    • Clinical photo ID badge required
    • ADN or diploma nursing program required

Newark, OH

Central Ohio Technical College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • 2-Year program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • 6 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • 2.0 GPA minimum
    • 40 clinical hours

Orrville, OH

University of Akron Wayne College
  • RN to BSN - Nursing, RN/BSN

    Campus Based - Website

    • Complete in less than one year
    • 30 nursing credit hours required
    • 120 total credits for graduation
    • 2.0 minimum GPA required
    • Valid RN license required
    • Classes meet one day weekly
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Four Ohio locations available

Parma, OH

Bryant & Stratton College-Parma
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online program
    • Complete in 40 months
    • Classes start May 6th
    • $12K scholarship available
    • Financial aid available
    • Prepares for leadership roles
    • Flexible class schedules
    • CCNE accredited nursing program

Pepper Pike, OH

Ursuline College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Online Program

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete in 12-18 months
    • Military benefits accepted
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Financial aid available
    • National League for Nursing Center of Excellence
    • U.S. News top nursing program
    • Leadership experience included in curriculum
    • Bridge to MSN, DNP, CRNA

Piqua, OH

Edison State Community College
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN Completion Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Four semester program length
    • 122 total credit hours
    • Online coursework with residency days
    • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
    • Active RN license required
    • Associate degree prerequisite
    • Seven nursing courses
    • Capstone practicum required

Portsmouth, OH

Shawnee State University
  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • ACEN accredited
    • Financial aid available
    • Scholarships available
    • Ranked top 4 most affordable in Ohio
    • Small class sizes
    • Accelerated curriculum
    • Personalized attention

Saint Clairsville, OH

Ohio University-Eastern Campus
  • RN to BSN - RN to BSN

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online degree completion program
    • For currently licensed Registered Nurses
    • Complete a baccalaureate degree

Springfield, OH

Wittenberg University
  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • 24 total credit hours
    • Earn Bachelor of Science in Nursing
    • Designed for RNs with associate's degree
    • 24 semester hours in nursing courses
    • Includes leadership and management practicum
    • Evidence-based practice coursework
    • Community health nursing concepts
    • Health care informatics covered

Tiffin, OH

Heidelberg University
  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Pathway

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete in within one year
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Rolling admissions
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Prerequisite courses required
    • Capstone required
    • Employer reimbursement supported

Toledo, OH

Mercy College of Ohio
  • RN to BSN - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

    Online Learning - Website

    • 1-Year program
    • 3 start dates per year
    • Starts fall/spring/summer
    • Cohort-based structure
    • $70,560 median earnings
    • $70,560 in Toledo, Ohio
    • Employer reimbursement supported
    • Four clinical practice experiences
University of Toledo
  • RN to BSN - RN-B.S.N.

    Online Learning - Website

    • Complete in as little as two semesters
    • 120 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time options
    • Asynchronous online classes
    • Competency-based self-paced learning
    • 100% online coursework
    • Quality Matters certified courses
    • Guided by full-time faculty

Warren, OH

Kent State University at Trumbull
  • Nursing for Registered Nurses (RN to BSN)

Youngstown, OH

Youngstown State University
  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Online Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • CCNE, ACEN accredited
    • $7,700 total program tuition
    • $275 per credit
    • 10-Month program
    • 28 total credit hours
    • 9 total courses
    • Apply by 2026-06-08
    • 4 start dates per year
*Dataset: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/