Ohio is an excellent place to enter the field of nursing, and there are many options available to you as an incoming nursing student. Read about some of the highest rated nursing schools in Ohio to help you pick which one is best for you.
When it come to a nursing, Ohio is a great place to start your career out strong. Not only do Ohio state nursing projections look promising, but there are also several excellent options for nursing school as some of the highest-ranking nursing programs in the country are in Ohio. Read on to learn about the best nursing programs Ohio has to offer and how they could help you kickstart your nursing career.
Benefits of Nursing in Ohio
Nursing is certainly an honorable career choice, but has the added benefit of being a lucrative one as well. The need for nurses is expected to grow by 0.7% between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means an employment increase of 11.5 million in this time. In even better news, the annual projected growth for nursing in Ohio is 0.9%.
Currently, the average annual salary for Ohio registered nurses currently sits at $71,640. If you plan to pursue graduate or post-graduate education and become a nurse practitioner, your salary will increase significantly. The current annual mean salary for nurse practitioners in Ohio is $112,490. With a career in nursing, you won’t have to choose between a life of doing good and a generous income – especially in Ohio.
What You Can Expect from a BSN Program in Ohio
Before looking through the best nursing schools Ohio offers, you may have questions about what to look for or how to know what is right for you.
The typical path to nursing is through a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This will enable you to become a registered nurse. You can also pursue an Associates of Science in Nursing (ASN), but a BSN is recommended as hospitals are requiring higher levels of education. It will also better prepare you for further education if you would like to seek opportunities in higher levels of your nursing career.
A typical BSN program consists of classes, skills and simulations labs, and clinical rotations that will set you up for success. Ohio boasts excellent hospitals in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo. If you are in Ohio or are looking to relocate somewhere with opportunity, you will want to consider programs there.
Programs Offered in Ohio
With all the nursing programs Ohio has to offer, it can be hard to know which would be best for you and your lifestyle. Are you seeking rigor and prestige? Perhaps you are looking for a program that is more adaptable to your needs. Luckily, you have plenty of options. Here are a few programs that you should definitely consider:
Ohio State University Columbus
Ohio State University, located in Columbus, offers a highly recognized and deeply historic nursing program. Its degree program is ranked #5 in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report (tying with another Ohio school). It is highly reputable if you are seeking even higher levels of education as well, being ranked #7 in best nursing schools: Master’s and #11 in best nursing schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. For anyone seeking a high-quality program, Ohio State is an excellent choice.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western sits right up there with Ohio State in terms of quality, with the U.S. News and World Report tying with them for #5 in their BSN program. The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing is a historic program widely recognized for its excellent nurses and research programs. Located in Cleveland, you will have access to several high-quality medical centers and hospitals in the area.
University of Cincinnati
Located in the heart of the city, University of Cincinnati partners with nationally ranked hospitals in the area to provide you with professional hands-on experience. University of Cincinnati prides itself on its quality staff and wide variety of academic programs. UC offers an in-person BSN program as well as an online RN to BSN program for those who seek flexibility in a nursing school. They also offer a host of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs to help make your aspirations a reality.
Xavier University
Xavier University is a private school founded on Jesuit values that puts high value on helping the community and supporting its students to become the best-prepared nurses possible. Its campus is in the Cincinnati area, giving you access to many excellent healthcare facilities for your clinical rotations. Xavier also offers an excellent Accelerated BSN program with satellite program site locations in Cleveland and Columbus, making Xavier worth a look if you are considering entering the nursing field with a previous degree or would like to fast-track the process.
Kent State University
If you are looking for a personal, supportive nursing program experience, Kent State University might be for you. Located in Kent, it offers programs varying from BSN to ABSN up to doctoral nursing programs. Kent State students also pass their licensure tests at high rates and often are provided with internships and resources to ensure a position with one of the partnering medical facilities and hospitals in the area.
Walsh University
Founded in Judeo-Christian values, Walsh University places high value on human dignity and the career of nursing. It offers numerous nursing program tracks including a BSN, Fast Track BSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificates. At Walsh University, you have access to a strong community of learners in North Canton who will help you learn and grow into your nursing career.
Mount Carmel University
Mount Carmel University is located near Columbus and is rated #3 in by Nursing Schools Almanac in 2022. It is closely partnered with the Mount Carmel Health System, providing students ample access to quality clinical rotation experiences. It also emphasizes a hands-on learning environment with high-quality skills and simulations labs. Mount Carmel University also has Catholic affiliations but does not discriminate and welcomes students of all backgrounds.
Need help deciding which of the nursing schools in Ohio is right for you?
Whatever your education background, there is room in the nursing industry for you — what better place to start your nursing career than Ohio, which offers so many great opportunities? We can help you get connected with a school that best meets your needs. Simply fill out our online form and you will be contacted by schools that fit your criteria, all without charge or obligation.