2026 Best Nursing Schools in Dayton

#1

Bethune-Cookman University

Daytona Beach, FL - Private 4-year - cookman.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing, BSN

Campus Based - Visit Website

Bethune-Cookman University's Nursing, BSN program prepares students to become registered nurses with a baccalaureate degree. This 120-credit, faith-based program spans 8 semesters, blending liberal arts, sciences, and nursing to foster competent, visionary nurse leaders. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN. The program boasts ACEN accreditation and a strong focus on culturally sensitive healthcare. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, specific prerequisite courses, and a competitive NEX exam score. With a 100% job placement rate, it's a solid choice for aspiring nurses.

  • 120 credit hours
  • 8 semesters duration
  • ACEN accredited
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • NCLEX-RN eligible
  • Faith-based curriculum
  • Culturally sensitive focus
  • 100% job placement
  • Competitive NEX exam
  • Specific prerequisite courses
#2

Bryan College-Dayton

Dayton, TN - Private 4-year - bryan.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Bryan College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program is designed for those called to the nursing profession, blending skill, compassion, and faith. This program prepares students for the RN licensure exam and diverse healthcare settings, offering a foundation for further graduate studies. With a focus on mentoring and education, students are equipped to meet global health needs. The program is on-campus, providing hands-on learning experiences. Accreditation is pending with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ensuring a quality education that aligns with professional standards.

  • Prepares for RN licensure.
  • Foundational for graduate studies.
  • On-campus learning.
  • Pending CCNE accreditation.
  • Focus on global health needs.
#3

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, FL - Public 4-Year - daytonastate.edu

Associate - Nursing, A.S.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Daytona State College in Florida offers an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, a two-year journey preparing students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. This program provides hands-on experience in diverse healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure. The curriculum includes a Civic Literacy Competency requirement, aligning with the latest educational standards. With flexible options for Paramedics, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Respiratory Therapists, the program is designed for career advancement. Admission requires a completed nursing application, unofficial transcripts, and passing TEAS test scores. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

  • Two-year program
  • Prepares for NCLEX licensure
  • Hands-on healthcare experience
  • Flexible career advancement options
  • Civic Literacy Competency included
  • Requires TEAS test scores
  • Financial aid available
  • Scholarships for eligible students
  • Diverse healthcare settings training
  • Accredited by ACEN

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Online Learning - Visit Website

Daytona State College's RN to BSN program is tailored for registered nurses aiming to advance their careers. This fully online program offers flexibility, allowing students to balance studies with personal and professional commitments. It's designed for nurses with an Associate's degree or diploma, ensuring a smooth transition to a Bachelor's degree. The curriculum prepares graduates for complex roles in healthcare, with opportunities in critical care, public health, and more. Admission requires an unencumbered RN license, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and completion of specific prerequisites. Accredited by ACEN, this program is a stepping stone to higher-level nursing positions.

  • Fully online program
  • Flexible scheduling
  • For RNs with Associate's/diploma
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA required
  • Unencumbered RN license needed
  • ACEN accredited
  • Prepares for advanced roles
  • Courses in critical care, public health
  • Smooth transition to BSN
  • Advisors available for support
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Ohio Medical Career College

Dayton, OH - Private 2-year - omcc.edu

Associate - One Plus One Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The One Plus One Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Ohio Medical Career College in Dayton, OH, offers a flexible path to becoming a Registered Nurse. Complete the first 40 weeks to sit for the NCLEX-PN or continue for the full 90 weeks to qualify for the NCLEX-RN. LPNs can transfer credits to fast-track their RN degree. Day and evening classes available, with a focus on practical skills and patient care.

  • 90-week program length.
  • Day and evening classes.
  • NCLEX-PN after first year.
  • NCLEX-RN eligibility post-completion.
  • LPN credit transfer option.
  • 133 credit hours total.
  • Campus-based learning.
  • Ohio Board of Nursing approved.
  • Practical skills focus.
  • Patient care training.
#5

Sinclair Community College

Dayton, OH - Public 4-Year - sinclair.edu

Associate - Nursing

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH, offers a hybrid Nursing Associate of Applied Science program. This 65-66 credit hour program prepares students for diverse healthcare environments through a mix of theory, clinical practice, and sciences. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN for licensure. The program can be completed in five semesters full-time, with part-time options available. Prerequisites include a high school diploma, GPA of 2.5 or higher, proficiency on the TEAS exam, and nurse aide training or equivalent. Advanced placement is available for LPNs and military personnel. The curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, preparing students for roles in hospitals, clinics, and more.

  • Hybrid program format
  • 65-66 credit hours
  • Eligible for NCLEX-RN
  • Full-time in five semesters
  • Part-time options available
  • High school diploma required
  • GPA 2.5 or higher
  • TEAS exam proficiency needed
  • Nurse aide training or equivalent
  • Advanced placement for LPNs

Bachelor's - Nursing (NUR.S.BSN)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Sinclair Community College's RN to BSN program helps registered nurses advance their careers. This hybrid program builds on your existing nursing education. It focuses on leadership, evidence-based practice, and cultural competency. You'll need a valid RN license and graduation from an accredited program. The curriculum includes courses in nursing theory, community health, and leadership. This degree enhances clinical skills and opens doors to management roles. It addresses a high demand for BSN-prepared nurses in the Dayton area.

  • 120-121 credit hours.
  • Hybrid program format.
  • RN to BSN completion.
  • Valid RN license required.
  • Accredited by ACEN.
  • Focus on evidence-based practice.
  • Cultural competency training.
  • Leadership and management courses.
  • Community nursing included.
  • Builds on associate degree.
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*Source: U.S. DOE, IPEDS 2024 collection, National Center for Education Statistics.

Entry-Level ADN & BSN Programs in Dayton, OH

If you are a recent high school graduate, a licensed practical nurse (LPN), or are thinking of transitioning into nursing from another field, an entry-level nursing program is the place to start. There are a number of program types to choose from, including LPN to RN programs, which are designed to build on an LPN’s existing experience, an Associate’s Degree in Nursing program (ADN), which is a two-year program that introduces the basics of nursing practice, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which are four-year programs that provide an in-depth foundation of nursing theory and practice for aspiring registered nurses (RNs). All of these entry-level programs prepare students to take the NCLEX licensing exam and become RNs.

LPN to RN Programs

Many LPNs choose to become RNs in order to earn higher salaries and take on more of an active role in the nursing profession. For these nurses, LPN to RN “bridge” programs provide a bridge from one career to the next and are tailored to build on an LPN’s existing classes and professional experience. Clark State Community College offers an LPN to RN program in which students will earn their ADN and be prepared for the NCLEX licensing exam. Many courses are available in an online format or may be taken on nights and weekends to accommodate working students.

ADN Programs

ADN programs are another entry-level nursing education program option, generally offered by community colleges and technical schools. ADN programs also prepare students to take the NCLEX exam and begin their careers as RNs. Edison State Community College offers an ADN program with coursework in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, medical terminology, health promotion of the adult, microbiology, and clinical application of nursing.

Direct-Entry Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

As more and more healthcare employers require a bachelor’s degree for their entry-level nursing positions, BSN programs are becoming a more popular choice for entering the nursing field. These programs include additional courses in leadership, research, communication, public health, and other topics not usually covered in ADN programs. One example of these programs is found at Kettering College, which offers a BSN program meant to be completed in three years of year-round study.

Find out more about Ohio Accelerated BSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Dayton, OH

RN to BSN Programs in Dayton, OH

With more employers looking for nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher, some nurses with their ADN are considering going back to school to earn their BSN. For these nurses, there are specially designed RN to BSN “bridge” programs that streamline the pathway to a bachelor’s degree by taking into account previous coursework.

RN to BSN Programs

Many RN to BSN programs are offered in an online format, allowing nurses to continue working and taking classes from home whenever their schedule allows. As an example, the RN to BSN program at Wright State University is in a self-paced online format and can be completed in a few as 15 months.

Find out more about Ohio RN to BSN Programs.

Jump to City:

Dayton, OH

Sinclair Community College

  • RN to BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing Completion

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • RN to BSN completion degree
    • 120-121 total credit hours
    • Hybrid program format
    • Develops nursing leadership skills
    • Evidence-based practice focus
    • Cultural competency training
    • Addresses regional nursing shortage
    • Nationally accredited program

Springfield, OH

Wittenberg University

  • RN to BSN - RN-BSN Degree Completion

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program flexibility.
    • 24 semester hours required.
    • Focus on nursing leadership.
    • Cultural competence in healthcare.
    • Health assessment skills.
    • Evidence-based practice research.
    • Community health nursing concepts.
    • Health care informatics.
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024 institutional data.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Dayton, OH

Nurses who want to take their careers to the next level and take leadership positions in nursing may be well served by entering an advanced practice nursing degree program. In the Dayton area, choices for these programs include Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, graduate certificate programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

MSN Programs

MSN programs prepare nurses for leadership positions in nursing, and often allow students to specialize their studies along a particular career pathway. For example, the MSN program at Wright State University offers the choice of seven concentrations including several nurse practitioner specialties and nursing administration.

Find out more about Ohio Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Graduate Certificate Programs

Post-graduate certificate programs are designed for registered nurses with their BSN or higher who would like to become certified in a particular nursing specialty. For example, Wright State University offers a School Nurse Certificate program that includes four courses to be completed in two consecutive semesters and prepares BSN-educated nurses for careers as certified school nurses.

Find out more about Ohio Post-Graduate Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

DNP programs are the highest level of nursing practice education available and prepare nurses for a variety of practice-based leadership positions that shape their organizations and improve patient outcomes. The DNP program at Wright State University includes coursework on advanced evidence-based practice, population-based interventions, quality improvement, and performance improvement as well as entrepreneurial and marketing skills.

Find out more about Ohio DNP Programs.

Jump to City:

Cedarville, OH

Cedarville University

  • BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible format
    • Lowest cost in Ohio
    • 800 clinical experience hours
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • National certification preparation
    • Four on-campus experiences
    • Advanced practice nurse training
    • High-fidelity simulation learning
  • BSN to MSN - MSN + MBA Dual Degree

    Concentration: Nursing Leadership in Healthcare Improvement - Online Learning - Website

    • Online flexible completion options
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • Cost-effective dual degree
    • Top 5 in Ohio MSN program
    • Advanced practice nurse training
    • Scholarship opportunities available
    • Leadership career preparation
    • Short-term medical missions possible
  • BSN to MSN - MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Fully online MSN program
    • 800 hours clinical experience
    • Lowest cost in Ohio
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • Four on-campus experiences
    • Start dates: August, October, January
    • National certification preparation
  • MSN to DNP - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online flexible program format
    • 800 hours direct clinical experience
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • 4 on-campus clinical experiences
    • Advanced practice nursing skills
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Scholarships available
    • National certification preparation
  • MSN to DNP - DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

    Concentration: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online DNP program format
    • 800 supervised clinical hours
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • Flexible completion options
    • National certification preparation
    • Scholarships available
    • Advanced pediatric care training
    • Christian faculty mentorship
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP Program Format
    • 800 Direct Care Clinical Hours
    • Biblical Worldview Integration
    • National Certification Preparation
    • Flexible Completion Options
    • Four On-Campus Experiences
    • $3,000-$5,000 Scholarships Available
    • Top 100 Nationally Ranked MSN
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP program
    • 800 clinical experience hours
    • $3,000-$5,000 scholarships available
    • Multiple nurse practitioner tracks
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • Experienced Christian faculty
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Concentration: Nursing Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Online DNP with leadership focus
    • 7-14 week course format
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • $3,000-$5,000 scholarships available
    • Biblical worldview integration
    • Collaborative online learning
    • Start dates: January, May, August

Dayton, OH

Wright State University

  • BSN to MSN - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

    Campus Based - Website

    • 51 credit hour program
    • National certification eligible
    • Advanced clinical practice focus
    • Specialization options available
    • Minimum 2 years critical care experience required
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Multiple clinical settings preparation
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid online/on-campus program
    • National certification preparation
    • 46 total credit hours
    • Minimum 1-2 years clinical experience
    • CCNE accredited program
    • Comprehensive psychiatric care focus
    • Flexible part-time options
    • Clinical placement assistance
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 49 credit hour program
    • Online didactic courses
    • Campus skills training sessions
    • National certification eligibility
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Two years nursing experience needed
    • Application deadlines: Dec 1, Apr 1, Jul 31
    • Post-master's training available
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Concentration

    Concentration: Neonatal Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Website

    • 55 total credit hours
    • Clinical rotations at regional hospitals
    • Certification exam preparation
    • Minimum 2 years NICU experience required
    • 3.0 GPA minimum for admission
    • Unencumbered nursing license needed
    • Part-time and individualized plans available
  • MSN to DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice

    Online Learning - Website

    • Primarily online delivery
    • Full-time or part-time options
    • 3.0 minimum graduate GPA
    • Post-Master's program
    • Evidence-based advanced practice

Middletown, OH

Miami University-Middletown

  • BSN to MSN - MSN-MBA Dual Degree

    Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner Track - Online Learning - Website

    • Online dual MSN-MBA degree
    • Family Nurse Practitioner focus
    • Three-year comprehensive program
    • 210 clinical hours per practicum
    • Advanced practice nursing skills
    • Business leadership training
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Covers patient care across lifespan
  • BSN to MSN - MSN-MBA Dual Degree

    Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership Track - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format.
    • Focus on Nurse Executive Leadership.
    • Combines MSN and MBA degrees.
    • Covers healthcare delivery systems.
    • Includes leadership and financial management.
    • Designed for working professionals.
    • Admission requires nursing degree.
    • Relevant work experience needed.
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 100% Online Coursework
    • 21 Months Full-Time Duration
    • August 1 Application Deadline
    • 630 Clinical Practice Hours
    • Fall Program Start Date
    • Two-Day On-Campus Skills Workshop
    • CCNE Accredited Program
    • Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
  • BSN to MSN - Master of Science in Nursing

    Concentration: Nurse Executive Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online with brief on-campus sessions
    • Two concentration tracks available
    • CCNE accredited program
    • First cohort started Fall 2022
    • Seamless progression to DNP possible
    • Leadership-focused curriculum
    • Hybrid program format
*Source: IPEDS 2024, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/