Nursing Programs in Columbus, OH

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

Expert Verified: Jessica Guzzetti, MBA, BSN, RN, CCHP-RN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Columbus

Best Nursing Schools in Columbus

Rankings help students identify top nursing programs by comparing key metrics like NCLEX pass rates. Registerednursing.org creates these rankings using NCLEX pass rates as the sole criteria to evaluate nursing schools in Columbus. For details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Columbus nursing programs show stable pass rates with minor fluctuations. In 2024, the average pass rate was 85.26% with 590 students, while 2023 had 84.81% with 632 students.

2024: 85.26% pass rate, 590 students
2023: 84.81% pass rate, 632 students

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

BSN programs in Columbus demonstrate higher pass rates compared to ADN programs. BSN programs averaged 94.34% with 53 students, while ADN programs averaged 83.42% with 633 students.

BSN: 94.34% pass rate, 53 students
ADN: 83.42% pass rate, 633 students

Top Performing Schools

Otterbein University leads Columbus nursing schools with the highest average pass rate. The top three schools based on average pass rates are Otterbein University, Hondros College of Nursing, and Fortis College-Columbus.

Otterbein University: 96.97% pass rate, 99 students
Hondros College of Nursing: 84.52% pass rate, 1027 students
Fortis College-Columbus: 78.13% pass rate, 96 students

Pass Rate by Program Size

Program size categories show similar pass rates between medium and large programs in Columbus. Medium programs (50-100 students/year) averaged 83.9% with 149 students, while large programs (>100 students/year) averaged 84.36% with 537 students.

Medium: 83.9% pass rate, 149 students
Large: 84.36% pass rate, 537 students

Consistently High Performing Schools

Otterbein University maintains consistently high performance with an average pass rate above 90% over multiple years. This school has an average pass rate of 96.97% with 99 students across 2 years of data.

Otterbein University: 96.97% pass rate, 99 students, 2 years data

Capital University

Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - capital.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Capital University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Columbus emphasizes critical thinking and professional judgment through hands-on clinical experiences at top-ranked local hospitals. The program requires a 3.0 high school GPA for first-year students and a 2.75 college GPA for transfers, with specific prerequisites including Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry. While the program doesn't specify ACT/SAT requirements, its 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2024 demonstrates exceptional preparation for licensure. Accredited by CCNE and offering small-campus mentoring, this Evangelical Lutheran-affiliated program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills for immediate healthcare impact.

100% NCLEX pass rate
Located in Columbus, OH
Accredited by CCNE
3.0 GPA requirement
Hands-on hospital experiences
Focus on critical thinking
Access to top hospitals
2.75 GPA for transfers
Includes Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry
Small campus, 1:1 mentoring

Columbus State Community College

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

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Degree (A.D.N.)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Columbus State Community College's hybrid Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.D.N.) program prepares students for RN licensure through a blend of online coursework and hands-on clinical experiences. This five-semester program emphasizes critical thinking and psychomotor skills across diverse healthcare settings, with strong NCLEX-RN preparation. Recent NCLEX pass rates show excellent performance, reaching 99.45% in 2024. The program offers traditional and blended options, advanced standing for LPNs, and admissions committee support, making it ideal for flexible nursing education in Ohio. No ACT/SAT is required for this associate-level program.

Five semester program
Hybrid learning format
Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
Focus on critical thinking
Diverse clinical settings
Strong psychomotor skills emphasis
Ohio Board of Nursing licensure
Admissions Committee support
Traditional and blended options
Advanced Standing for LPNs

Bachelor's - Bachelor's Degree Completion in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Columbus State's fully online RN to BSN Completion program enables working nurses to advance their careers through flexible, affordable education. Priced at approximately $10,000, this program can be completed in under a year to five years, with 8-week terms and part-time options. Students develop leadership skills and evidence-based practice competencies, benefiting from a 95.65% licensure examination pass rate and strong employer partnerships. No entrance exam is required for this bachelor's completion program, which accepts up to 34 transfer credits and offers financial aid opportunities for career advancement.

Fully online BSN program
Low tuition $192.93/credit
Flexible part-time options
Minimum 120 credit hours
No background check required
Up to 34 transfer credits
8-week term starts
95% employment rate
Developing leadership skills
Career advancement focused

Show 1 More Programs ˅

Ohio State University

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

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Ohio State University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is nationally recognized, ranked #4 overall and #1 among public institutions. This comprehensive 122-credit program prepares students to become evidence-based healthcare leaders through rigorous coursework and clinical training. The program requires ACT or SAT entrance exams and offers multiple admission pathways. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent pass rates reaching 97.2% in 2024, demonstrating exceptional preparation for nursing licensure. The curriculum emphasizes clinical reasoning, holistic wellness, and innovative healthcare solutions across diverse clinical settings.

Minimum 122 credit hours
Multiple admission pathways
NCLEX-RN eligibility
Evidence-based curriculum
Holistic wellness approach
Clinical reasoning focus
Innovative learning model

Otterbein University

Westerville, OH - Private 4-year - otterbein.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Otterbein University's campus-based Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Westerville prepares students for professional nursing careers through a holistic caring framework that integrates liberal arts with strong science foundations. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and completion of prerequisite courses with grades of C or better, but no ACT or SAT entrance exam is mentioned as required. The CCNE-accredited program emphasizes compassionate, competent nursing practice with dedicated faculty support. Recent NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates are strong, with 100% in 2023 (46 students) and 94.34% in 2024 (53 students), indicating effective preparation for licensure.

Campus-based program.
Accredited by CCNE.
Minimum GPA 3.0 required.
Holistic caring framework.
Strong science foundation.
Liberal arts integration.
Dedicated faculty support.
Personal growth opportunities.
Professional development focus.
Competent nursing practice.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Columbus, OH - Private 4-year - mccn.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Mount Carmel College of Nursing's BSN program in Columbus offers a comprehensive nursing education for students without prior experience. This campus-based program features small classes with personalized attention and benefits from affiliation with Mount Carmel Health System, providing valuable clinical exposure. Accredited by recognized bodies, it emphasizes evidence-based practice and clinical competence. For admission, ACT or SAT scores are typically required. The program's 2024 NCLEX pass rate was 92.61% (203 students), demonstrating strong preparation for licensure. A Direct Admit Pathway is available for qualifying students seeking early admission assurance.

Small classes, personal attention.
Affiliation with Mount Carmel Health System.
Accredited by recognized bodies.
Direct Admit Pathway available.
Focus on evidence-based practice.
Prepares for professional nursing career.
Rich educational experience.
Clinical competence focus.

Bachelor's - Ascent Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Ascent Program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing is an accelerated campus-based BSN track that can be completed in just five semesters. Designed for students with prior nursing coursework, it combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings. The program focuses on evidence-based practice and leadership development within a supportive learning environment featuring small class sizes. ACT or SAT entrance exams are generally required for admission. With a 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 92.61% (203 students), graduates are well-prepared for nursing licensure. Financial aid options enhance accessibility for aspiring nurses.

Accelerated BSN completion.
Five-semester program.
Small class sizes.
Personalized attention.
Evidence-based practice focus.
Leadership skills development.
Hands-on clinical experiences.
Financial aid available.
Diverse healthcare settings.
Supportive learning environment.

Bachelor's - Online RN-BSN Completion Program

Online Learning - Visit Website

Mount Carmel College of Nursing's Online RN-BSN Completion Program provides licensed nurses with a flexible pathway to advance their careers. This fully accredited online program can be completed in 2-3 semesters full-time, with part-time options available. Featuring a low student-to-faculty ratio, it offers personalized attention and support while allowing students to balance studies with professional commitments. No entrance exam is required for this completion program. The college's 2024 NCLEX pass rate of 92.61% (203 students) reflects its commitment to quality nursing education across all program formats.

Fully accredited program.
Online study flexibility.
Low student-to-faculty ratio.
Complete in 2-3 semesters.
Part-time study available.
RN license required.
Personalized attention.
Supportive educational environment.

Bachelor's - Second Degree Accelerated Program

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) at Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a fast-track hybrid pathway for individuals with existing bachelor's degrees to transition into nursing. Students can choose between 13 or 18-month tracks combining online and on-campus learning. The program boasts a 91.02% NCLEX-RN pass rate and 100% employment rate within 12 months of graduation. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, while prerequisites in English, Psychology, and Sciences are required. No entrance exam is specified for this graduate-level program. Financial aid is available to support students in this accelerated career change opportunity.

13 or 18-month tracks
Hybrid learning format
91.02% NCLEX-RN pass rate
100% employment rate
Small class sizes
Prerequisites required
Financial aid available
On-campus and online courses
Personalized attention
Fast-track to nursing

Show 3 More Programs ˅

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 collection.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Columbus, OH

If you are new nursing, the place to begin is an entry-level training program. These programs introduce students to nursing and prepare them for the NCLEX licensing exam. In Columbus, the options for entry-level nursing programs include LPN to RN programs, Associate’s Degree in Nursing programs (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. There are some similarities in the curriculum between these programs, but each type has a different completion time and outcome.

LPN to RN Programs

Called “bridge” programs because they provide a bridge from one career to the next, LPN to RN training programs help experienced LPNs become registered nurses. With more responsibilities and higher wages than LPNs, becoming an RN is an attractive career path for many practical nurses. Columbus State Community College, for example, offers an LPN completion program that offers life experience credits toward the ADN for some of the early nursing credits.

ADN Programs

An ADN program will provide students with a foundational knowledge of nursing in various settings, including clinical practice experience. Fortis College – Westerville offers an ADN program in a hybrid format in which some courses are offered online, which may be particularly convenient for working students or those with family obligations.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

Like LPN bridge programs and ADN programs, BSN programs prepare nurses for their first professional jobs as RNs. However, BSN programs include additional coursework and generally take about twice as long to complete. They are becoming more popular as entry points to nursing, as employers are increasingly looking to hire nurses with a bachelor’s degree. Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a traditional BSN as well as an accelerated BSN for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing topic.

Find out more about Ohio Accelerated BSN Programs

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Columbus, OH

Similar to LPN to RN bridge programs, some schools offer RN to BSN or RN to MSN programs that help RNs with an ADN earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. Often completed on an accelerated pathway, RN to BSN/MSN programs provide students with credit for previous coursework and clinical experience.

RN to BSN Programs

Oftentimes, RN to BSN bridge programs are offered in an online or hybrid format, which is an attractive option for working nurses. Online programs, such as the one offered at the Ohio State University, may also offer the option of taking classes on a full- or part-time basis and can be completed in a little as one year of study.

Find out more about Ohio RN to BSN Programs

RN to MSN Programs

Perhaps less common than RN to BSN programs, some schools do offer RN to MSN programs that are designed for nurses who hold an RN license who want to earn a master’s degree and move into advanced practice nursing careers. Otterbein University offers an RN to MSN program in a hybrid online/on-campus format that prepares students for careers as family nurse practitioners or psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners.

Find out more about Ohio RN to MSN Programs

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you are a registered nurse looking to advance your career, exploring RN to BSN or MSN programs is a great step. These programs help you earn a higher degree while often keeping your current job. The table below lists schools with their locations, key program features, and links to learn more. You can find options that fit your schedule and goals, whether you prefer online learning or campus classes. Check the details to choose the path that works best for you.