Nursing Programs in Cincinnati, OH
Those looking for a promising and rewarding healthcare career path are turning to registered nursing. With high demand and plenty of growth potential, the RN job market is projected to remain hot. The Cincinnati area boasts schools with programs for both beginners and experienced RNs alike.
To get started in nursing or to advance your nursing career, check out our accredited program listings sections below:

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Cincinnati
Mount St. Joseph University
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - msj.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The direct admission Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Mount St. Joseph University prepares students for a rewarding career in nursing. With over 100 years of experience, the program combines liberal arts and sciences with essential nursing skills. Students engage in diverse classes, labs, and off-campus clinical experiences to become effective patient advocates. The curriculum emphasizes holistic, evidence-based practice and ethical care. Graduates are prepared to meet Ohio's high demand for nurses, working in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. The program offers scholarships and grants to support students. This BSN program is ideal for those seeking a patient-centered career with strong job prospects.
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Direct admission to BSN program
- 100 years of nursing education
- Classes, labs, and off-campus clinicals
- Nursing is Ohio's most in-demand job
- Prepares ethical, patient-centered nurses
- Currently accepting applications
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - cincinnatistate.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Cincinnati State Bethesda School of Nursing offers an Associate Degree in Nursing that prepares you to become a registered nurse. The five-semester curriculum covers nursing concepts across five levels, with courses in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, and sociology. You'll gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at top healthcare partners like Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Mercy Health. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers in hospitals, outpatient centers, and long-term care facilities. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. With a median salary of $86,070 and strong job growth projected, this degree opens doors to a rewarding healthcare career. Transfer agreements with universities like UC and Xavier allow you to further your education.
- ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 65 total credit hours
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 5-semester program
- Unpaid clinical experience
- Transfer agreements with 5 universities
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The RN to BSN program at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College is designed for busy registered nurses seeking advancement. This fully online, asynchronous program can be completed in as little as three semesters, allowing you to balance work and study. The curriculum builds on your RN foundation, covering community health, leadership, and evidence-based practice, culminating in a 45-hour clinical experience. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, you'll receive personalized support. The program is notably affordable, with in-state tuition around $9,400, and most students receive financial aid. Cincinnati State offers a unique pathway from LPN to RN to BSN, making it a seamless choice for career growth. Graduates are prepared for roles in management, public health, and specialized nursing, equipped with the skills to improve patient outcomes and lead healthcare teams.
- $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
- LPN to RN to BSN pathway
- Small class sizes
Galen College of Nursing-Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - galencollege.edu
Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Galen College of Nursing's 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Cincinnati is built for students who are ready to enter nursing without spending four years in school. The curriculum runs year-round and combines classroom instruction, simulation labs, and real clinical experiences — giving students both the theory and hands-on skills needed to practice confidently as a registered nurse. No prerequisite courses are required to apply, and the free application takes about 10 minutes to complete, making the path in far less daunting than at many traditional programs. Classes meet on campus four times a year, so students have multiple entry points to start. The program covers the full scope of pre-licensure nursing education, preparing graduates to work across a wide variety of healthcare settings — from hospitals to community health environments. It also serves as a strong springboard for those who eventually want to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. Faculty bring both clinical expertise and a genuine commitment to mentorship, and students have access to personalized academic support throughout. Whether you're a recent high school grad or making a mid-life career change, this program is structured to meet you where you are.
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Year program
- Full-time enrollment
- 4 start dates per year
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
- No prerequisites required to apply
- Free application, no essays required
- On-campus delivery with simulation labs
- Prepares graduates to become registered nurses
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH - Public 4-Year - uc.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Cincinnati's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a direct-admit program that guarantees placement in the College of Nursing, eliminating competitive applications. With over 130 years of nursing education excellence, this program combines foundational didactic instruction with immersive hands-on experiences, including clinical partnerships, simulation labs, and experiential learning. Students prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam, gaining the skills to excel in diverse healthcare settings such as acute care, community health, and specialty nursing. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, compassion, and leadership, guided by experienced faculty like Program Director Dr. Jeanine Goodin. Student support services and a vibrant blog community enhance the learning journey. This campus-based program offers a clear path to becoming a registered nurse, ready to innovate and lead in the evolving healthcare landscape.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Direct-admit BSN program
- Legacy of excellence
- Immersive hands-on experiences
- Clinical partners
- Simulation experiences
- Student support
- Experiential learning
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH - Private 4-year - xavier.edu
Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Xavier University's BSN program is a four-year, on-campus degree that blends a strong science foundation with Jesuit values. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and nursing fundamentals, with specialized courses in adult health, childbearing, mental health, and community nursing. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical simulation labs and weekly practicum placements at top hospitals like Cincinnati Children's. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and holistic nurse certification, with 98% employed or in grad school within six months. The program also offers study abroad in Peru, an honors track, and active participation in the Student Nurse Organization.
- CCNE accredited
- 4-Year program
- Complete in four-year
- Rolling admissions
- 82% licensure pass rate
- 98% job placement rate
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Cutting-edge clinical simulation labs
- Weekly clinical practicum placements
Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Cincinnati, OH
Entry-level nursing programs are designed for those who have no prior registered nursing experience. High school graduates or those looking to make a career change can opt for programs such as the Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or even an accelerated Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN).
LPN to RN Programs
Licensed practical nurses have already gained knowledge in providing basic patient care as part of their LPN coursework and work experience. For LPNs who want to become RNs to earn higher salaries and take on a larger role in patient care, an LPN to RN bridge program provides an accelerated pathway to RN licensure. The LPN to RN program at Cincinnati State lets students enter the nursing course sequence at the third level, taking the bridge and transition courses that verify basic nursing skills and also cover pediatric nursing skills and related clinical experiences. After completing their first semester of coursework, students in the LPN to RN program can apply for advanced standing in the program that further accelerates the timeframe to completion of the Associate’s Degree in Nursing.
ADN Programs
The ADN degree pathway is considered the most basic of RN degrees. After just two years of study, students are ready to work with patients in various healthcare settings. Cincinnati State, for example, offers an associate's degree where students take courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Nursing Concepts, and Microbiology. ADN programs are commonly found at community colleges and technical schools.
Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
With an increasing number of hospitals and other employers requiring or favoring a 4-year nursing degree, the traditional BSN is a go-to choice for aspiring RNs. Miami University offers a pre-licensure BSN program aimed at preparing students to care for patients from diverse populations. Courses taken include Therapeutic Communication in Nursing, Nursing Research, and more.
Find out more about Ohio Accelerated BSN Programs.
Direct-Entry MSN Programs
These unique graduate nursing programs allow those without RN licenses a direct pathway to an advanced nursing degree. This is an ideal opportunity for those who know they want to practice at high levels. Mount St. Joseph University, for example, offers what they call an MSN-MAGELIN (Master's Graduate Entry Level into Nursing). This program is designed for those who hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field.
Find out more about Ohio Accelerated MSN Programs.
RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Cincinnati, OH
For RNs who hold an ADN or diploma, an RN to BSN or RN to MSN bridge program can advance their career opportunities in an accelerated format. These programs give enrolled students credit for the courses they have already completed, making them shorter and more cost-effective.
RN to BSN Programs
The RN to BSN pathway allows registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing in just about 2 years. In the Cincinnati area, Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science offers an RN to BSN with a total of 48 credit hours for completion. The curriculum includes courses in healthy aging, statistics, and continuity of care.
Learn more about Ohio RN to BSN Programs.
RN to MSN Programs
Like its RN to BSN counterpart, the RN to MSN program allows RNs to earn a master's degree in nursing, increasing a nurse's earning potential exponentially. Xavier University, for example, offers an RN to MSN to students who do not hold a bachelor's degree. It requires 36 credit hours and is delivered in an 8-week course structure.
Learn more about Ohio RN to MSN Programs.
List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs
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
APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Cincinnati, OH
For those committed to obtaining the highest nurse practitioner positions, an advanced degree is required. In and around Cincinnati, the Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) pathways are all possibilities.
MSN Programs
The traditional MSN degree can be completed in roughly 2 years once a BSN has been obtained. A number of advanced specialties are available as part of the MSN curriculum. For example, Xavier University offers an MSN degree with specialization tracks including Administration, Clinical Nurse Leader, Informatics, Family Nurse Practitioner, and more.
Learn more about Ohio Nurse Practitioner Programs.
DNP Programs
Doctoral nursing program are the highest degrees that RNs can earn. Focusing on clinical practice, these programs can propel nurses to advanced positions in a variety of areas. The University of Cincinnati offers a BSN to DNP program in a variety of specialties, including Nurse Anesthesia, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and many more.
Learn more about Ohio DNP Programs.
List of APRN (MSN, DNP, & NP) Programs in Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Mount St. Joseph University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN)
Concentration: clinical nurse leader - Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN program
- Clinical nurse leader track
- Six semester completion
- Fall semester start
- Part-time blended format
- Two courses per semester
- 10-week course sessions
- Some campus meetings required
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Education - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Nursing Education track available
- Six-semester program completion
- Part-time blended learning format
- Interactive online courses
- Small class sizes
- Practicum and integrative project
- Cohort model support
- Four courses apply to DNP
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nursing Administration - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Nursing Administration concentration.
- Six-semester part-time schedule.
- Summers off included.
- Small class sizes.
- Cohort model for support.
- Relevant practicum required.
- Evidence-based integrative project.
University of Cincinnati
- BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Care for patients ages 13 and older
- Focus on preventative and chronic care
- Emphasis on education, diagnosis, treatment
- Careers in community-based primary care
- Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
- Online program format
- BSN to MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- No site visits required
- Asynchronous coursework
- Spring, summer, fall semesters
- BSN required for admission
- One year RN experience required
- Federal financial aid available
- Transfer credits option
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
Concentration: Neonatal - Online Learning - Website
- Online neonatal nursing program
- Advanced practice specialty focus
- Prepares nurses for complex care
- Part of MSN program offerings
- Experienced nursing professionals
- BSN to MSN - Nurse Midwifery
Online Learning - Website
- Online MSN program.
- Nurse Midwifery specialization.
- Prepares for AMCB certification.
- Primary care provider focus.
- Sexual and reproductive health.
- Labor and newborn care.
- University of Cincinnati accredited.
- Admission requirements apply.
- BSN to MSN - Nursing Education
Online Learning - Website
- 7 concentration options
- $836 per credit
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- $65 application fee
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- BSN to MSN - Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- Three start dates yearly
- Flexible scheduling options
- Certified faculty instructors
- Experienced clinical practitioners
- Primary care provider focus
- Puberty through lifespan care
- Wellness promotion emphasis
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- $836 per credit
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- $65 application fee
- MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Capstone required
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prepares for FNP-BC and FNP-C
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Nurse Anesthesia - Campus Based - Website
- Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: GRE
- $836 per credit
- 36-Month program
- Apply by 2026-10-01
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts spring
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- $836 per credit
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website
- $836 per credit
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Online Learning - Website
- 9 concentration options
- $836 per credit
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall/spring
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice
Concentration: Adult-Gero Acute Care NP - Online Learning - Website
- 9 concentration options
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- MSN to DNP - Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner DNP
Concentration: Acute Care - Online Learning - Website
- $836 per credit
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- Prerequisite courses required
- MSN to DNP - Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- $836 per credit
- Apply by 2026-06-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- 1 start dates per year
- Starts fall
- 3 letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Work experience required
- $65 application fee
- MSN to DNP - Public Health Nursing
Online Learning - Website
- Online program format
- DNP degree level
- Public health nursing focus
- Leadership role preparation
- Evidence-based practice emphasis
- Quality improvement training
- Systems leadership development
- Emergency response preparation
Xavier University
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Education Track
Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- 2 concentration options
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TOEFL, IELTS
- $739 per credit
- 2-Year program
- Complete in as few as 7 semesters
- 37 total credit hours
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Forensics Track
Concentration: Forensic Nursing - Online Learning - Website
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
- No entrance exam required
- $739 per credit
- 28-Month program
- Complete in as few as 7 semesters
- 37 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-07-01
- Rolling admissions
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Website
- 100% online program
- 46 credit hours required
- $739 per credit tuition
- 2-3 year completion time
- 600 clinical hours required
- CCNE-accredited program
- No GRE required
- Rolling admissions
- MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice in Population Health Leadership
Concentration: Population Health Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- CCNE, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- $778 per credit
- 32-Month program
- Complete in as few as 8 semesters
- 40 total credit hours
- Apply by 2026-07-01
- Full-time and part-time options
- Starts fall
Hamilton, OH
Miami University-Hamilton
- BSN to MSN - MSN-MBA Dual Degree
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website
- Online program delivery.
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration.
- Three-year program length.
- Includes clinical practicum hours.
- Combines MSN and MBA degrees.
- Focus on primary care skills.
- Covers healthcare delivery systems.
- Includes business management courses.
- BSN to MSN - MSN-MBA Dual Degree
Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership - Online Learning - Website
- Online program format.
- Nurse Executive Leadership concentration.
- 33 credit hours total.
- Includes practicum experiences.
- Combines MSN and MBA degrees.
- Healthcare budgeting courses.
- Data analytics in healthcare.
- Human resource management focus.
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Website
- 100% online coursework
- 21-month full-time duration
- 630 clinical hours required
- 2.75 minimum GPA required
- Fall program start date
- August 1 application deadline
- Full-time and part-time study
- 100% FNP certification pass rate
- BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website
- MSN with Nurse Executive Leadership concentration
- Hybrid program format
- Accredited by CCNE
- Seamless MSN to DNP progression
- Prepares for healthcare leadership roles
- Focus on evidence-based practice
- Quality improvement emphasis
- Online coursework available
Comprehensive List of Nursing Schools Near Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
- Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 65 total credit hours
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- 5-semester program
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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
- Bachelor's - 3-Year Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Exams: TEAS
- 3-Year program
- Full-time enrollment
- 4 start dates per year
- $0 application fee
- Financial aid available
- No prerequisites required to apply
- Free application, no essays required
Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion Program
Online Learning - Website
- ACEN accredited
- 120 total credit hours
- 85% job placement rate
- Capstone required
- RN to BSN program
- Online program format
- Seven-week sessions
- Capstone course included
Mount St. Joseph University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Direct admission to BSN program
- 100 years of nursing education
- Classes, labs, and off-campus clinicals
- Nursing is Ohio's most in-demand job
- Prepares ethical, patient-centered nurses
- Currently accepting applications
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- No entrance exam required
- Test optional
- $75,000 total program tuition
- 2.8 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Guaranteed clinical placement
University of Cincinnati
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Direct-admit BSN program
- Legacy of excellence
- Immersive hands-on experiences
- Clinical partners
- Simulation experiences
- Student support
- Experiential learning
Xavier University
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- CCNE accredited
- 4-Year program
- Complete in four-year
- Rolling admissions
- 82% licensure pass rate
- 98% job placement rate
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
Hamilton, OH
Miami University-Hamilton
- Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Website
- 4-Year program
- Starts fall
- 3.3 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Same curriculum on both campuses
- Clinical opportunities and simulation experiences
- Study abroad options in Belize and Luxembourg
