Best Nursing Schools in Ohio

Baldwin Wallace University offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with both traditional four-year and accelerated tracks. Faculty include DNP- and MSN-prepared nurse educators, and a Director of Clinical Education supports hospital placements. The curriculum prepares students for NCLEX-RN licensure and a range of nursing careers. NCLEX data show first-time pass rates of 100% for both 2023 (21 students) and 2024 (15 students). Standardized entrance exam requirements—such as SAT or ACT—for the traditional BSN track are not stated in the available program information; prospective students should verify admissions policies.

• Traditional BSN track offered
• Accelerated BSN track offered
• Director of Clinical Education
• DNP-prepared faculty
• MSN-prepared faculty

The 15-month Accelerated BSN at Baldwin Wallace University is an intense, full-time program for candidates with an existing bachelor's degree. This campus-based track requires no entrance exam and features a concept-based curriculum plus over 700 clinical hours at institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Clinical groups of six to eight students allow personalized mentorship from practicing DNP- and MSN-prepared faculty. The NCLEX-RN pass rate is a perfect 100%, as seen with the 2023 and 2024 cohorts. Total tuition is $44,348, and scholarships like Choose Ohio First are available to eligible Ohio residents, easing pathways into nursing careers.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• No entrance exam required
• $44,348 total program tuition
• 15-Month program
• 63 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-05-30
• Rolling admissions
• Full-time enrollment
• 1 start dates per year
• Starts fall

Muskingum University's traditional pre-licensure BSN program in New Concord, Ohio, offers an integrated curriculum combining nursing theory, critical thinking, and hands-on clinical experience. Students train in a state-of-the-art nursing laboratory and complete practicums at premier facilities, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, preparing them for diverse healthcare roles. The program holds CCNE accreditation and full Ohio Board of Nursing approval. Recent Ohio Board of Nursing data show a 100% NCLEX pass rate for both 2023 (18 students) and 2024 (16 students), with a 100% job placement rate among graduates from 2016 to 2025. Small class sizes and open-door advising foster individualized attention. The university does not specify ACT/SAT admission requirements in available materials, so applicants should verify testing policies directly.

• Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Pediatric practicums at Nationwide Children's Hospital
• State-of-the-art nursing laboratory
• Approved by Ohio Board of Nursing
• Coursework tailored to healthcare employer needs
• Small class sizes with individual attention

Muskingum University’s traditional pre-licensure BSN pathway emphasizes rigorous academics, critical thinking, and technical skill development tailored to healthcare employer needs. Students gain real-world exposure through clinical experiences at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and within a modern nursing laboratory. Graduates achieve outstanding licensure outcomes, with a perfect 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate in 2023 and 2024, according to state data, and a reported 100% job placement over the past decade. The CCNE-accredited program is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and supports learners with intimate class sizes and open-door faculty advising. While specific ACT/SAT requirements are not disclosed in program materials, interested applicants should contact the university for current admission policies. This BSN readies nurses for hospital, clinic, and community settings.

• CCNE accredited
• 95% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Clinical partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital
• State-of-the-art nursing laboratory
• Small class sizes
• Open door advising policies
• Full approval from Ohio Board of Nursing
• Tailored coursework for healthcare employers

Malone University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in Canton, Ohio, blends a rigorous professional curriculum with Christian values, offering early clinical experiences and individualized faculty mentorship. The program provides traditional and accelerated tracks for second-degree or transfer students, ensuring flexible pathways into nursing. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate in both 2023 (20 students) and 2024 (14 students), graduates demonstrate exceptional board performance. Malone is military-friendly and affiliated with the Friends (Quaker) tradition, emphasizing holistic, compassionate care. Admission policies vary by track; prospective students should verify whether SAT/ACT scores are required for their specific application pathway. This highly regarded program prepares graduates for immediate, successful entry into healthcare.

• Top 15 Midwest BSN program
• Christian principles integrated
• Early clinical opportunities
• Individual faculty mentorship
• High job placement success
• Accelerated track available
• Holistic nursing education approach

Designed as a fast-paced, four-semester pathway to registered nursing, Ohio University-Zanesville’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS-N) is ACEN-accredited and Ohio Board of Nursing-approved. The program blends general education, nursing theory, practical skills, and clinical experiences at local hospitals and community agencies. Competitive admission includes the TEAS entrance exam; an LPN-to-RN bridge and dual enrollment in an online RN-to-BSN offer career flexibility. Tuition is locked via the OHIO Guarantee, and 99% of first-year students receive financial aid. Military-friendly designation and well-equipped sim/skills labs support diverse learners. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN and find roles in acute care, long-term care, clinics, and private practice, with growth projected in Ohio.

• ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 4-Semester program
• Locked tuition rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available

At Ohio University-Zanesville, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a CCNE-accredited, campus-based program blending rigorous academics with immersive clinical training. Students learn via high-fidelity simulation suites, nursing labs with manikins, and clinical placements in nearby hospitals. The curriculum spans sciences, humanities, nursing fundamentals, and human behavior, preparing graduates for NCLEX-RN licensure and generalist or advanced practice. A 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, locked tuition, and financial aid (99% receive assistance) enhance accessibility. Admission requires a 2.8 GPA and prerequisite courses; no SAT/ACT scores are needed. With a 100% NCLEX pass rate in 2023 and 2024, the program demonstrates exceptional outcomes.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Locked tuition rate
• 2.8 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Best Nursing School in Ohio
• 99% of first-year students receive aid
• 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio

Hiram College offers a CCNE-accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that blends liberal arts with hands-on clinical experience starting in the sophomore year at premier Northeast Ohio facilities. The curriculum covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nursing foundations, preparing graduates for roles in acute care, outpatient, and community settings. The program reports a perfect 100% NCLEX pass rate for both 2023 (14 students) and 2024 (8 students), reflecting its rigorous standards. Students benefit from a locked tuition rate, small class sizes, and membership in the Hiram Student Nurses' Association. Direct entry is available for high school students with a 3.5 GPA, and transfer pathways are offered. An optional biomedical humanities minor adds depth. The 128-credit-hour program promotes ethical, holistic care.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 4-Year program
• Locked tuition rate
• 128 total credit hours
• 100% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Clinical sites across Northeast Ohio
• Tuition guarantee for four years
• Direct entry for high school GPA 3.5
• Optional minor in biomedical humanities

Capital University's BSN program prepares nurse leaders committed to health in diverse communities. Its curriculum blends anatomy, physiology, microbiology with psychiatric mental health and community health. Clinicals at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital are supported by a 4:1 student-instructor simulation lab ratio and 1:1 faculty mentoring. This CCNE-accredited program achieved NCLEX pass rates of 97.6% in 2023 and 100% in 2024. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite courses, and letters of recommendation; no ACT/SAT is listed. Graduates enter hospital, public health, occupational health, or home-health nursing. The small campus provides close-knit learning and strong hospital partnerships.

• CCNE accredited
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 1 letters of recommendation (minimum)
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• 4:1 student-instructor ratio in labs
• Clinicals at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center
• 1:1 mentoring by nursing faculty
• Experiential learning in top hospitals

Columbus State Community College’s five-semester ADN program prepares students for registered nursing careers through a curriculum spanning nursing, humanities, and sciences. Learners develop psychomotor skills, critical thinking, clinical decision-making, delegation, and care management across acute, intermediate, chronic, and community settings. Choose the traditional classroom track or a hybrid format combining online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. An entrance exam is required. LPNs, paramedics, and military medics may receive advanced standing credit for prior training. Recent NCLEX-RN pass rates reflect program rigor: 95.12% in 2023 and 99.45% in 2024. Graduates are then eligible to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for Ohio licensure.

• Entrance exam required
• 5-Semester program
• Full-time and part-time options
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Prepares graduates to sit for NCLEX-RN
• Ohio Board of Nursing licensure upon passing
• Blended option: online classes plus in-person labs
• Advanced standing available for LPNs and Paramedics
• Covers acute, intermediate, chronic, and community care
• Curriculum blends nursing, humanities, and sciences

Columbus State’s RN to BSN Completion program is a fully online degree tailored for working registered nurses holding an associate degree. Costing roughly $10,000 total ($192.93 per credit), the program requires 120 credit hours and accepts up to 34 transfer credits. With eight-week terms, students can finish in less than a year or extend up to five years. The curriculum develops leadership, evidence-based practice, and professional competencies to prepare nurses for healthcare advancement. The program reports a 95% employment rate among alumni and offers flexible part-time scheduling, no background check requirement, and access to financial aid. Strong employer partnerships help graduates position themselves for career growth.

• 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

The University of Findlay's Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers a campus-based curriculum emphasizing compassionate, evidence-based patient care. Accredited by CCNE and the Ohio Board of Nursing, the program covers anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and nursing management through simulation labs and clinical placements in hospitals and clinics. Unique opportunities include a study abroad exchange in Japan and an Early Assurance pathway for high school seniors. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.0 GPA, prerequisite coursework, and an entrance exam (TOEFL for international applicants). The 120-credit-hour program starts in the fall. NCLEX pass rates are strong: 94.12% in 2023 and 100% in 2024. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospital nursing, community health, and leadership.

• Ohio Board of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TOEFL
• 120 total credit hours
• Starts fall
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Prerequisite courses required
• On-campus nursing simulation lab
• Study abroad in Japan
• Early Assurance for high school seniors

Ohio University's four-year campus-based BSN combines rigorous academics with immersive clinical experience, accumulating over 1,500 hours in labs and healthcare settings, including a 168-hour preceptorship. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, nursing fundamentals, and community health, supported by CCNE accreditation and a 1:18 faculty-student ratio. State-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical partnerships, such as with Nationwide Children's Hospital, prepare students for NCLEX-RN success—recent pass rates hit 98.49% (2023) and 97.56% (2024). Prerequisite coursework is required, but Ohio University's test-optional policy means no ACT/SAT is necessary for admission. Graduates embark on careers in hospitals, public health, or education, benefiting from a personalized graduation plan and membership in the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 4-Year program
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX
• Faculty-to-student ratio of 1:18
• Over 1,500 combined clinical and lab hours
• Customized graduation plan
• Clinical partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital
• Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society chapter
• State-of-the-art simulation labs

The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers a top-ranked, Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education-accredited BSN. This lock-step, 122-credit curriculum covers foundational nursing knowledge, pathophysiology, pharmacology, lifespan care, population health, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students gain early and ongoing clinical experiences at Ohio State's medical campus and partner hospitals. The program features multiple admission pathways, an honors research track, and study abroad options. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN; recent pass rates are 94.17% (2023) and 97.2% (2024). While the program requires prerequisite courses and a competitive admission process, applicants should confirm current ACT/SAT requirements directly. This structured program provides strong preparation for diverse healthcare settings.

• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited
• 122 total credit hours
• Prerequisite courses required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Scholarships available
• Early and ongoing clinical experience
• Faculty mentorship and advising
• Clinicals near Ohio State medical campus
• Lock-step structured curriculum
• BSN Honors with research distinction