Registered nurses work on the front lines of health care to treat patients, provide advice, and offer emotional and mental support to families. They measure and record vital signs, create, implement, and assess patient care plans, supervise licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants, perform diagnostic tests, administer medications, start intravenous fluids, advocate for patients, and much more. Registered nursing programs cover all that is essential for nurses to provide patient-centered care at the entry-level. The training also provides a strong foundation for pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, and beyond.
Galen College of Nursing
Galen College of Nursing’s Associate Degree in Nursing program prepares adults for a career as a professional nurse in various health care settings. The curriculum covers science, general education, and core nursing cores that are taken in a specific sequence. Progression in the program requires a minimum grade of C on the preceding course in the sequence. Clinical rotations run simultaneously with the accompanying course and give students the opportunity to develop nurse skills and work with members of the health care team. Graduates will receive the Associate’s Degree and be prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam to practice as a registered nurse. Transfer credits are accepted upon official review. New students are admitted four times a year.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 107
Duration: 8 quarters
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Information Literacy and Technology Essentials, English Composition, Galen Pathway to Success, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology II – Laboratory, College Mathematics, Development Psychology, Introduction to Sociology
Core Courses – Introduction to Professional Nursing, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Foundations of Nursing, Principles of Pharmacology, Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Concepts of Nursing: The Childbearing/Child Caring Family, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness, Advanced Concepts of Medical Surgical Nursing, Applied Ethics, Leadership and Nursing Management, Transition to Registered Nursing Practice
Admission criteria:
- Submit proof of high school graduation – a high school transcript, diploma, or GED
- Must demonstrate English proficiency
- Complete a satisfactory criminal background screen and authorize the release of the results from an approved provider
- Take an admission assessment or submit scores from an approved exam taken within the last five years – ACT (19), SAT (1030), Multilevel PAX (95), ATI TEAS (55)
- Submit a completed physical exam signed and completed by a licensed physician
- Must have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association
- Consent to drug screening according to the requirements of the clinical agency
- Provide proof of current, private health insurance annually
- Submit documentation of the required immunizations – MMR, Hepatitis B, Tdap, TB, Varicella, Influenza
Program Cost:
General education courses cost $390 per quarter credit hour. Nursing education courses cost $400 per quarter credit hour. The estimated cost of books is $2,750. Other costs such as registration, fees, uniform, background check, immunization, CPR certification, and nursing supplies must be covered by the student.
Website: https://galencollege.edu/
Address: 100 E Business Way, Suite 120, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Phone: (513) 475-3600
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 86%
Cincinnati State
The Cincinnati State Bethesda School of Nursing facilitates an Associate Degree Nursing program designed to prepare adults for a career in nursing. The program includes theory and hands-on training in the art and science in patient care. Students will participate in clinical rotations at various nursing facilities where they will care for patients under the supervision of experienced faculty. Graduates will be eligible to take the national standardized nursing examination (NCLEX-RN) to work as a registered nurse. Persons interested in the program must first attend a nursing program information session and meet with a program advisor. Enrollment is selective. Applicants may transfer up to 17 semester credits of clinical courses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 65
Duration: 24 months full-time
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, English Composition I, Quantitative Reasoning, Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition II, Microbiology, Introduction to Sociology,
Core Courses – Nursing Concepts I, Nursing Concepts II, Nursing Concepts III, Nursing Concepts IV, Nursing Concepts V
Admission criteria:
- Must be a high school graduate or possess a GED diploma
- Must have a minimum cumulative GAP of 2.75 and a minimum GPA of 2.75 in math and science courses
- Must complete the general education courses in the curriculum order
- Must take an admissions test before progressing to the clinical courses in the program
- Must have completed high school or college biology, chemistry, and algebra with a grade of C or higher before applying to the program
- Must be an Ohio state-tested nurse aide or LPN
- Complete a criminal background check before commencing the clinical portion of the program – applicants with arrests or convictions must meet with the Program Director before entry into the program
- Graduation candidates must pass a nationally standardized exam to pass the final course
- Must have current CPR certification for Health Care Providers
- Submit a recent physical exam report with up-to-date immunizations – Hepatitis B, 2-step TB test
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $13,781.60 for in-state students. Other costs include admission fee, technology fee, facility fee, registration fee, CPR certification, uniforms, textbooks, and parking permit.
Website: https://www.cincinnatistate.edu/
Address: 10100 Reading Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Phone: 513-569-1643
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 75.68%
Hondros College of Nursing
Hondros College of Nursing prepares nursing students with knowledge and skills to make their nursing dream a reality. Theory and hands-on training will help students develop hard skills that establish their ability to use clinical judgment and make complex patient care decisions, demonstrate leadership accountability, monitor patients to improve outcome, evaluate effectiveness of care, and understand health care trends and issues. Other areas for emphasis include collaborative skills, effective patient communication, advocacy skills, and advanced critical thinking. Graduates will receive an Associate Degree in Nursing and will be eligible to sit for the NCLEX for Registered Nurses.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 61
Clock hours: 1,520
Duration: 55 weeks
Course titles:
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Critical Thinking for the Registered Nurse, Transition to Associate Degree Nursing, Anatomy and Physiology II, Concepts of Pediatric Nursing, Lifespan Development, Concepts of Mental Health Nursing, Algebra, Concepts of Nursing Care of the Reproducing Family, Professional Nursing Issues, Public Speaking, Concepts of Nursing Care of Diverse Populations, English Composition II, Concepts of Nursing care of the Adult I, Transition to Registered Nursing, Application of Clinical Judgment in RN Practice, Concepts of Nursing Care of the Adult II
Admission criteria:
- Must provide documentation of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Provide a copy of photo ID – driver’s license, passport, or state ID
- Complete the Student Online Readiness Survey
- Complete and sign the enrollment agreement
- Attend an interview with an admissions representative
- Must have graduated from an accredited high school or GED
- Complete a criminal background check using an electronic fingerprint check with National Background Check, Inc for an Ohio BCI and FBI check
- Must have current CPR certification for Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $25,010. Other expenses for textbooks, insurance, background check, uniform, lab coat, nursing supplies, CPR, and fees are not included.
Website: https://www.hondros.edu/index.html
Address: 7600 Tylers Pl Blvd West Chester, OH 45069
Phone: 1-855-90-NURSE
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Fortis College
Fortis College’s Associate Degree in Nursing program provides students with opportunities to develop clinical and technical skills to practice as registered nurses. Some general education and nurse courses are delivered online. Lab sessions and clinical rotations are conducted in person on campus and at local health care facilities. Students will learn how to respond to the health care needs of patients and families and commit to lifelong learning. Graduates will be prepared to sit for the NCLEX to practice as a registered nurse in various healthcare settings. Licensed practical nurses who have completed an accredited program and hold a current license to practice may be eligible for advanced placement in the program.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 106
Total contact hours: 1,500
Duration: 96 weeks
Course titles:
Core Courses – Anatomy and Physiology I, Anatomy and Physiology II, General Biology, Microbiology, Introduction to Informatics, Art and Culture, English Composition, College Mathematics, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, Foundations of Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Maternal Newborn Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Leadership and Management, Community Nursing Concepts, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Transition to Practice – Capstone, General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Fundamentals of Human Nutrition, Sociology
Admission criteria:
- Must submit proof of high school completion or recognized equivalent
- Must be at least 17 years old – applicants under 18 years must have parental consent
- Submit a completed applicant information form
- Schedule and attend an interview with an admission representative
- Submit Wonderlic SLE scores – must be at least 16
- Complete the Online Readiness Assessment with a minimum score of 60%
- Must have current CPR certification for BLS Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association
- Take and pass the A2-RN assessment and score a minimum of 75%
- Submit documentation of immunization – hepatitis B, MMR, varicella, seasonal influenza, TDaP
- Must pass a criminal background check and drug screen
- LPN candidates seeking advanced placement must have a current, unencumber LPN license from the Board of Nursing
Program Cost:
The total program cost of $47,951 includes tuition, enrollment fee, e-books, student kit, computer, uniforms, textbooks, background check, drug test, and licensure exam.
Website: https://www.fortis.edu/
Address: 4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 120, Westerville, OH 43081
Phone: (614) 882-2551
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 78.57%
UC Blue Ash College
The Associate Degree Nursing program at UC Blue Ash College is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) and is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The program includes theory and hands-on activities that prepare adults for success in the delivery of healthcare. Experienced faculty will emphasize patient-centered, safe and effective care for people across the life span and in various health care settings including home health care, hospitals, nursing homes, hospice facilities and more. The curriculum spans topics that are essential for professional nurses and includes general education, science, and core nursing courses. Students will apply the skills learned in the classroom through direct patient care experiences in local health care facilities.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 64
Clock hours: N/A
Duration: 4 semesters
Course titles:
Courses – Success in College and Nursing, Nursing I, English Composition, Anatomy and Physiology I, Lifespan Development, Nursing II, Introduction to Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology II, Introduction to Statistics, Nursing IV, Nursing V, Intermediate Composition, Microbiology for Health Professionals, Nursing VI, The Global Community: Cultural Diversity and Interaction, General Education Elective
Admission criteria:
- Must have confirmed admission to the University of Cincinnati
- Submit a completed application to the nursing program through selective admission
- Must have one year of high school Biology and Chemistry with lab with a grade C or higher – completed within 6 years prior to the application
- Demonstrate eligibility for college-level math. This requirement may be met through a Math Placement Test or ACT or SAT scores
- Must be eligible for placement in English Composition (ENG 1001). SAT score of 430 or ACT score of 18 are acceptable
- Candidates who speak English as a second language must submit satisfactory TOEFL scores
- Submit an essay 300 words or less responding to the two prompts – Why you have chosen to become a Registered Nurse and provide the top three characteristics that will make you successful as a nursing student and describe how they will help you become a good Registered Nurse
- Schedule and pass the Kaplan Admission Test during the published dates
- Attend the mandatory First-Year Student Nursing Orientation session
- Complete the Essential Functional Abilities for Nursing Students
- Complete a satisfactory background check and drug screen
- Submit documentation of required immunization
- Must have current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification
- Must have health insurance before the start of clinical experience
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $6,492 per year. Other costs for fees, textbooks, uniforms, supplies, background check, CPR certification, and immunization are not included.
Website: https://www.uc.edu/
Address: 9555 Plainfield Road, Blue Ash, Ohio 45236
Phone: 513-558-9495
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
ATA College
ATA College provides an avenue for adults who plan to pursue a career as a registered nurse. The Associate Degree in Nursing program covers theory and practical to produce nurses who are not only knowledgeable but capable providers of care. The training will emphasize the role transition in the current health care system, the application of critical thinking skills, legal and ethical issues, basic IV therapy, methods for effective communication, and the role of the Registered Nurse. Some courses may be available online. Students will complete several NCLEX assessments before graduating from the program. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, graduates are eligible to apply to apply for the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and licensure as a Registered Nurse.
Program Outline
Quarter credits: 97
Duration: 80 weeks
Method of instruction: Blended
Course titles:
General Education Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Theory, Human Anatomy and Physiology I – Laboratory, Microbiology, English Composition, College Algebra, American Literature, Introduction to Sociology, Developmental Psychology
Core Courses – Nursing Informatics, Nursing Success, Introduction to Professional Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing I, Mental Health Nursing, Medical Surgical Nursing II, Mental Health/OB Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Transcultural & Community Health Nursing, Acute Care Nursing, Geriatric, Leadership and Management, Nutrition, Advanced Pharmacology, Integrated Practicum
Admission criteria:
- Submit documentation of completing high school or equivalent
- Applicants who speak English as a second language must submit TOEFL scores that demonstrate English proficiency
- Provide documentation of college readiness – ACT, SAT, or TEAS-RN scores – ACT (19), SAT (1350), TEAS (69% Reading, 63% Math, 60% English Language)
- Submit the results of a clear background check – must be completed from an approved provider
- Submit a physical exam report completed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant
- Must have and maintain CPR for Healthcare Provider’s certification from the American Heart Association
- Must have health insurance throughout the program
- Provide record of immunization – TB test, Varicella, Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, Influenza
Program Cost:
The program cost of $41,771 includes tuition, registration fee, nursing fee, books, and quarterly general fee.
Website: https://ohio.ata.edu/
Address: 225 Pictoria Drive, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Phone: 513-671-1920
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A
Good Samaritan College
The pre-licensure Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) program at Good Samaritan College is designed to educate professional nurses to meet the healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum will cover the principles of nursing, physical, biological, and behavioral sciences, and liberal arts to prepare adults who are capable of functioning as a beginning professional nurse. Students learn how to practice within the ethical and legal framework of the profession, communicate effectively with patients, use evidence-based practice to make sound clinical judgment, assess the health status of patients, provide caring interventions, and manage care effectively. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX for licensure as a registered nurse.
Program Outline
Semester credits: 72
Duration: 2.5 years
Method of instruction: Traditional
Course titles:
Prerequisite Courses – Human Anatomy and Physiology I, General, Organic, and Biochemistry, Introduction to Psychology, Mathematics for Health Sciences, Human Anatomy and Physiology II, General Pharmacology, English Composition I, Lifespan Development
Core Courses – Microbiology for Health Sciences, Introduction to Sociology, Nursing III, Health Care Ethics, Nursing IV, Nursing V
Admission criteria:
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Submit an official transcript of college courses completed
- Submit the results of a clear background check
- Submit negative TB test results
- Submit a physical exam report completed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant
- Must have and maintain CPR for Healthcare Provider’s certification from the American Heart Association
- Must have health insurance throughout the program
- Provide a record of immunization – TB test, Varicella, Hepatitis B, MMR, Tdap, Influenza
Program Cost:
Tuition costs $559 per credit hour.
Website: https://www.gscollege.edu/
Address: 375 Dixmyth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
Phone: (513)862-2631
Email: admissions@email.gscollege.edu
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 82.71%