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.
2023 - 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/).
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
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

- Online program meets Quality Matters Certification
- Clinical or practice experiences are required
- All-inclusive tuition pricing with no surprises
Mercy College of Ohio
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

- Rolling admissions with fall, spring or summer starts
- Has an MSN fast-track option
- A Catholic institution of higher learning
Aultman College
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

- Now offering reduced tuition rate
- Quality Matters Standards implemented
- A college for educating health care professionals
Kettering College
With a focus on today’s healthcare demands, Kettering College offers a BSN completion program for current licensed RNs. Population health, health assessments, and nursing and leadership are some courses students complete in the program.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

Tuition is affordably priced.
Flexible formatting allows students to take a break if needed.
A small, Adventist-based healthcare college in Ohio.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati was one of the first universities to offer a BSN. Now, it offers a fast-paced RN to BSN for nurses looking to do more in terms of delivering quality patient care. Public health and Health Issues of Marginalized Populations are crucial areas of focus.
- RN to BSN Online/Hybrid

- The program is completely online with no clinicals.
- Only 9 nursing courses.
- Designed to accommodate working nurses.
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.
2023 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
Ada, OH
Ohio Northern University
Ada, OH 45810
(419) 772-3947
Akron, OH
University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
(330) 972-5930
Ashland, OH
Ashland University
Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 521-6802
Athens, OH
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-9134
Canton, OH
Aultman College
Canton, OH 44710
(330) 363-6347
Centerville, OH
Fortis College
Centerville, OH 45459
Cincinnati, OH
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cincinnati, OH 45220
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cincinnati, OH 45219
(513) 585-1317
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH 45221
(513) 558-5330
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
(216) 523-7237
Columbus, OH
Capital University
Columbus, OH 43209-2394
(614) 236-6703
Franklin University
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 947-6209
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Columbus, OH 43222
(614) 234-5950
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH 43210
(614) 292-8900
Dayton, OH
Wright State University
Dayton, OH 45435
(937) 775-3133
Defiance, OH
Defiance College
Defiance, OH 43512
(419) 783-2448
Kent, OH
Kent State University
Kent, OH 44242
(330) 672-8794
Kettering, OH
Kettering College
Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 395-8601
Mount Vernon, OH
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 397-9000 x3261
New Concord, OH
Muskingum University
New Concord, OH 43762
(740) 826-6160
Portsmouth, OH
Shawnee State University
Portsmouth, OH 45662
Rio Grande, OH
University of Rio Grande
Rio Grande, OH 45674
(740) 245-5353
South Euclid, OH
Notre Dame College
South Euclid, OH 44121
(888) 568-7361
Sylvania, OH
Lourdes University
Sylvania, OH 43560
(419) 517-8905
Toledo, OH
Mercy College of Ohio
Toledo, OH 43604
(419) 251-1524
University of Toledo
Toledo, OH 43606-3390
(419) 383-5858
Youngstown, OH
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH 44555
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