Best Ohio RN to BSN Programs
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.
2022 - Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Ohio

Ohio RNs who hold an ADN or nursing diploma can expand their employment opportunities and earning potential by earning a BSN degree. Luckily, specialized RN to BSN completion programs exist to help nurses advance their education in a quick and efficient manner. For those who wish to keep working or need flexibility, online RN to BSN programs are a convenient option. We have ranked the top online RN to BSN programs in Ohio to help nurses find the perfect program to reach their goals. Browse our rankings below to get started.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, visit our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rankings-methodology/).
Toledo, OH

Created from a broad liberal arts and sciences curriculum, the online RN to BSN program at Mercy College of Ohio sets up graduates to become nurse generalists. From health assessments and evidence-based practice to nursing leadership, the recognized bridge program is designed for working nurses.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Rolling admissions with fall, spring, or summer starts
- Has an MSN fast-track option
- A Catholic institution of higher learning
Columbus, OH

The recognized online RN to BSN program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing enables students to finish their degree in two to three semesters. The student-focused program includes nursing informatics, caring practices for leadership and the community, and foundational coursework.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Online program meets Quality Matters Certification
- Clinical or practice experiences are required
- All-inclusive tuition pricing with no surprises
Kettering, OH

RNs can advance their nursing education through Kettering College's online RN to BSN degree completion program. With full-time and part-time schedules available, students can complete the program in 1-3 years' time. This accelerated program utilizes flexible, asynchronous online courses to help students reach their goals.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- 3 entry points available (January, May, August)
- 7-week intensive courses
- Aligned with Seventh-day Adventist philosophies
Canton, OH

Nurses can better support their patients while supporting their own career aspirations when they enroll in the RN to BSN online at Aultman College in Ohio. Students can improve their understanding of health promotion and education as well as care of culturally diverse populations.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Now offering reduced tuition rate
- Quality Matters Standards implemented
- A college for educating health care professionals
Athens, OH

Time-strapped RNs can fit higher education into their lives thanks to Ohio University's online RN to BSN program. By adding depth to their knowledge of community health and evidence-based practice, nurses can improve patient health outcomes while improving their own career trajectory.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid
Quick Facts:
- Catering to busy, working RNs
- Generous transfer credit policy
- Affordable with waived application fees
Admissions Requirements for Ohio 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 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
RN to BSN Classes & Courses
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.
Online RN to BSN Programs in Ohio
There are about 35 schools throughout Ohio that offer the online RN to BSN option - it is clear that the state prioritizes the advancement of nurses and the well-being of its patient populations. There are a number of programs that offer hybrid options, as well as fully online courses. Many have staggered start dates to ensure maximum flexibility for nurses who are trying to balance professional and personal commitments in addition to academics.
Admissions and Program Length
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Franklin University takes pride in its experienced nursing faculty. Offered fully online, the program is considered 'accelerated' with the goal of integrating nursing theory and patient outcomes with critical thinking to make nursing leaders. In order to earn a BSN from Franklin University, students must complete at least 30 of the 120 credits through the university. Students may prepare a portfolio, undergo proficiency testing, or challenge exams in order to gain transfer credits to apply toward their degree.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
RN to BSN programs in the state often charge students per credit. For example, RNs who choose Kent State University are charged a per-credit fee of about $400 for online courses. With a total of 30 credits required, this adds up to about $12,000 total for the program, regardless of state residency.
Does an RN to BSN Increase My Salary?
While motivated by professional curiosity and development, nurses also choose to pursue their BSN degree because the investment will likely net a raise at some point during the near future. While some employers have an automatic adjustment for degree-earners, others will expect nurses to apply for promotions to roles such as community health nurse, nursing leadership, or nurse manager in order to gain greater pay.
RN to BSN Salary Comparison in Ohio
Nurses in Ohio earn anywhere from about $45,000 to almost $100,000, or slightly higher than national averages - however, who earns what? While the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't collect data on the salary differences between ADN and BSN nurses, we can make an educated guess that ADN nurses start near the bottom 10% of wage earners, and don't have many opportunities for pay raises as compared to BSN nurses. Having a BSN is also the gateway to graduate work, specialty fields, and doctoral research.
2022 List of RN to BSN Programs in Ohio
Nurses holding a BSN or greater degree in Ohio are reported to earn around 50% more than an ADN nurse, putting a BSN nurse at more than $90,000 per year. The state has upward of 30 colleges that offer RN to BSN programs and can put students well on their way to a degree. Ohio believes strongly in a degree in nursing and has strong support from different foundations, which has led to scholarships being offered for prospective nurses, as well as actively working nurses. A career in management, clinic supervisory roles or nursing educator roles could be in your future with a BSN degree.
Find RN to BSN Programs By City:
- Cincinnati RN to BSN Programs
- Dayton RN to BSN Programs
- Columbus RN to BSN Programs
- Cleveland RN to BSN Programs
Program | Website |
---|---|
Ashland University OnlineDwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences 401 College Ave Ashland, OH 44805 (419) 521-6802 | ashland.edu |
Aultman College OnlineBSN Completion Program 2600 Sixth Street SW Canton, OH 44710 (330) 363-6347 | aultmancollege.edu |
Capital University CampusSchool of Nursing 1 College and Main Columbus, OH 43209-2394 (614) 236-6703 | capital.edu |
Cleveland State University OnlineSchool of Nursing 2121 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 (216) 523-7237 | nursing.csuohio.edu |
Defiance College Online701 North Clinton Street Defiance, OH 43512 (419) 783-2448 | defiance.edu |
Fortis College OnlineSchool of Nursing 555 E Alex Bell Rd Centerville, OH 45459 | fortis.edu |
Franklin University OnlineCollege of Health and Public Administration 201 South Grant Avenue Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 947-6209 | franklin.edu |
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Sciences CampusRN-BSN Completion Program 375 Dixmyth Ave Cincinnati, OH 45220 | gscollege.edu |
Kent State University OnlineCollege of Nursing 1375 University Esplanade Kent, OH 44242 (330) 672-8794 | kent.edu |
Kettering College OnlineNursing Education 3737 Southern Blvd Kettering, OH 45429 (937) 395-8601 | kc.edu |
Lourdes University OnlineCollege of Nursing 6832 Convent Boulevard Sylvania, OH 43560 (419) 517-8905 | lourdes.edu |
Mercy College of Ohio OnlineBSN Completion Program 2221 Madison Avenue Toledo, OH 43604 (419) 251-1524 | mercycollege.edu |
Mount Carmel College of Nursing OnlineOnline RN-BSN Completion Program 127 South Davis Avenue Columbus, OH 43222 (614) 234-5950 | mccn.edu |
Mount Vernon Nazarene University Online CampusSchool of Graduate and Professional Studies 800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (740) 397-9000 x3261 | mvnu.edu |
Muskingum University OnlineDepartment of Nursing 163 Stormont Street New Concord, OH 43762 (740) 826-6160 | muskingum.edu |
Notre Dame College OnlineDivision of Nursing 4545 College Road South Euclid, OH 44121 (888) 568-7361 | online.notredamecollege.edu |
Ohio Northern University CampusDepartment of Nursing 525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810 (419) 772-3947 | onu.edu |
Ohio University OnlineSchool of Nursing Grover Center E365, Ohio University Athens, OH 45701 (740) 593-9134 | ohio.edu |
Shawnee State University OnlineDepartment of Nursing 940 2nd St Portsmouth, OH 45662 | shawnee.edu |
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences OnlineDepartment of Nursing 2139 Auburn Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45219 (513) 585-1317 | thechristcollege.edu |
The Ohio State University OnlineCollege of Nursing 1585 Neil Avenue Columbus, OH 43210 (614) 292-8900 | nursing.osu.edu |
University of Akron Online CampusSchool of Nursing 302 E Buchtel Ave Akron, OH 44325 (330) 972-5930 | uakron.edu |
University of Cincinnati OnlineCollege of Nursing 2600 Clifton Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45221 (513) 558-5330 | nursing.uc.edu |
University of Rio Grande OnlineHolzer School of Nursing 218 N College Ave Rio Grande, OH 45674 (740) 245-5353 | rio.edu |
University of Toledo OnlineCollege of Nursing 2801 W. Bancroft Toledo, OH 43606-3390 (419) 383-5858 | utoledo.edu |
Wright State University OnlineCollege of Nursing and Health 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton, OH 45435 (937) 775-3133 | nursing.wright.edu |
Youngstown State University OnlineBitonte College of Health and Human Services 1 University Plaza Youngstown, OH 44555 | ysu.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.