Ohio (OH) Nursing Colleges & Licenses

Accredited Undergraduate Nursing Programs in Ohio

Chamberlain University (online)

Chamberlain University’s College of Nursing offers a BSN program tailored to pre-licensure students. With small classes and diverse and hands-on learning opportunities, the BSN program provides individualized guidance for students to equip them with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for the medical field. Faculty members share their real-world experiences with BSN students, and diverse clinical experiences enrich students’ learning journeys. 

There are three start times to enroll in courses every year, and transfer credits are accepted, giving more flexibility to pre-licensure BSN learners. There is also the option of an RN-to-BSN program, an RN-to-MSN program, a master of science in nursing (MSN), graduate nursing certificate programs, and a doctorate of nursing practice (DNP) offered at Chamberlain University – all aimed to create well-rounded and reliable healthcare practitioners that provide efficient care in various healthcare settings.

• Location: Campuses in Columbus and Cleveland, OH
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Mt. Carmel College of Nursing (on-campus and hybrid)

Mt. Carmel College of Nursing offers five BSN degree program options for aspiring nurses hoping to start or advance their healthcare careers. With an undergraduate completion rate of 80 percent, an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a 29 percent minority representation among its students, Mt. Carmel provides nursing education of the highest quality.

In addition to its BSN program offerings, the college provides graduate, post-graduate, and doctoral nursing degrees on-campus or online. Prospective BSN students must meet certain admission requirements, such as completing a high school diploma/GED with a GPA of at least 3.0 or higher; those with lower GPAs may be eligible for provisional admission. Those whose native language is not English must submit TOEFL scores as part of their application.

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Duration: One to four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Walsh University (on-campus & hybrid)

Walsh University offers a BSN pre-licensure program that takes four years to complete on-campus. Students looking for an accelerated BSN program can opt for the BSN hybrid program, which requires two years of coursework and prerequisite courses. In terms of facilities, Walsh University has recently renovated its nursing lab/interactive classroom, boasting advanced educational technology such as a control room for instructors to record and observe students in simulation settings, a state-of-the-art high-fidelity simulation patient (iStan), a Fidelis Maternal Fetal Birthing Simulator, iPads and multiple monitors throughout the facility. 

The Byers School of Nursing at Walsh University also offers an array of post-graduate programs such as MSN, post-master’s certificate, and DNP programs. As with all BSN programs, students must maintain a C or better in all nursing courses once admitted to the program. Students can also complete prerequisite courses in accelerated eight-week hybrid formats.

• Location: North Canton, OH
• Duration: Two to four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Ohio State University (on-campus)

The BSN program at Ohio State University’s College of Nursing offers a high-quality education to students interested in careers in nursing. It includes general education coursework, prerequisite pre-nursing courses, and courses in the nursing science major. 

There are two additional options for current nurses: the RN-to-BSN program for registered nurses with associate degrees or diplomas and a three-year accelerated option for those with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees. In all BSN programs, students can expect to develop the necessary skills to pursue higher education and become leading figures in nursing.

• Location: Columbus, OH
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Ursuline College (on-campus)

The Ursuline College Breen School of Nursing provides a BSN degree program that meets the educational requirements of all 50 states for professional licensure and certification, as approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. This BSN program has an impressive 100 percent job placement rate, with graduates commonly securing excellent field placements as undergraduates, often leading to full-time employment at Cleveland’s top hospitals quite quickly upon graduation. 

Admissions requirements include having a total GPA of 2.75 or above, either earning a composite ACT score of 20 or SAT score of 1030 (optional), and demonstrating proficiency in high school algebra II, biology with lab, and chemistry with lab through earning a C+ or higher in each course. Ursuline BSN also boasts an impressive NCLEX pass rate of more than 90 percent – so for those looking for a great BSN degree tailored to meet the current standards set within their field, Ursuline BSN is an ideal on-campus option.

• Location: Pepper Pike, OH
• Duration: Four years
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

Nursing School Accreditation

Nursing school accreditation is a vital process that guarantees nurses have the most current knowledge, skills, and competence aligned with industry standards. It brings security and peace of mind to all stakeholders, including future nurses, training institutions, employers, support staff, and patients.

Students must complete a nursing program accredited by institutional or programmatic accrediting bodies to practice nursing legally. When it comes to nursing school accreditation, there are two categories: institutional and programmatic.

The leading organizations for programmatic accreditation in nursing schools are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Other nursing accreditation organizations focus on specialized curriculums, such as the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. 

Institutional accreditation is an evaluative mark of a college or university’s quality. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), recognized by the US Department of Education, identifies seven regional organizations that review and grant institutional accreditation status. These independent bodies evaluate academic integrity, financial stability, faculty expertise, and degrees awarded to determine a university’s standards.

Lastly, it is crucial to consider the state authorization status when researching online and hybrid nursing programs, especially for degrees that require state licensing. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) regulates this to help prospective students ensure their educational institution is compatible with state boards of nursing requirements for online or hybrid nursing programs. Confirming state authorization status is essential to avoid expensive challenges during state licensing tests or even the inability to receive credentials.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Licensure in Ohio

Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Ohio Board of Nursing	Applicants for an Ohio LPN license must meet the following requirements: Complete an application Pay the fee Submit nursing degree transcripts from a completed board certified nursing program Pass the NCLEX-PN exam In state and federal criminal fingerprint background check required, pay associated fees Proof of English proficiency if applying from another country	Ohio LPNs must renew their license every two years by: Submitting an online application Paying the fee Completing 24 required contact hours, of which one contact hour must include Ohio law and rules

Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure in Ohio

Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Ohio Board of Nursing	Ohio RN license applicant requirements include: Complete an application Pay the fee Submit nursing degree transcripts from a completed board certified nursing program Pass the NCLEX-RN exam In state and federal criminal fingerprint background check required, pay associated fees Proof of English proficiency if applying from another country	Ohio requires that RNs renew their license every two years by: Submitting an online application Paying the fee Completing 24 required contact hours, of which one contact hour must include Ohio law and rules

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Licensure in Ohio

Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Ohio Board of Nursing	In Ohio, a CNS is licensed as an APRN. The requirements include: Be licensed as an RN Complete a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in a nursing specialty that qualifies you to take an APRN national certification examination Official transcript showing a master’s or doctoral degree, sent directly from the education program (the transcript must also reflect an advanced pharmacology course completed within the last five years) Have a national certification from an approved national certification organization Pay the application fee plus a transaction fee	To renew an APRN license in the state of Ohio, the Board will email a renewal notification to complete the application. Continuing education requirements do not need to be included in the renewal application, but APRNs must complete 24 hours of CE and keep the records in case of an audit. Pay the APRN renewal fee plus a transaction fee.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) Licensure in Ohio

Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Ohio Board of Nursing	In Ohio, a CNM is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for a CNM license, applicants must meet the following requirements: Be licensed as an RN Complete a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in a nursing specialty that qualifies you to take an APRN national certification examination Official transcript showing a master’s or doctoral degree, sent directly from the education program (the transcript must also reflect an advanced pharmacology course completed within the last five years) Have a national certification from an approved national certification organization Pay the application fee plus a transaction fee	To renew an APRN license in the state of Ohio, the Board will email a renewal notification to complete the application. Continuing education requirements do not need to be included in the renewal application, but APRNs must complete 24 hours of CE and keep the records in case of an audit. Submit the APRN renewal fee plus a transaction fee.

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Licensure in Ohio

Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Ohio Board of Nursing	Ohio issues Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP) licenses. The requirements are: Be licensed as an RN Complete a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in a nursing specialty that qualifies you to take an APRN national certification examination Official transcript showing a master’s or doctoral degree, sent directly from the education program (the transcript must also reflect an advanced pharmacology course completed within the last five years) Have a national certification from an approved National Certification Organization Pay the application fee plus a transaction fee	To renew an APRN license in the state of Ohio, the Board will email a renewal notification to complete the application. Continuing Education requirements do not need to be included in the renewal application, but APRNs must complete 24 hours of CE and keep the records in case of an audit. Pay the APRN renewal fee plus a  transaction fee.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CNRA) Licensure in Ohio

Licensing Authority	Eligibility & Details	Renewal Requirements
Ohio Board of Nursing	In Ohio, a CRNA is licensed as an APRN. To be eligible for a APRN license, applicants must meet the following requirements: Be licensed as an RN Complete a master’s or doctoral degree with a major in a nursing specialty that qualifies you to take an APRN national certification examination Official transcript showing a master’s or doctoral degree sent directly from the education program Have a national certification from an approved national certification organization Pay the application fee plus a transaction fee	To renew an APRN license in the state of Ohio, the Board will email a renewal notification to complete the application. Continuing education requirements do not need to be included in the renewal application. Pay the APRN renewal fee plus a transaction fee.