RN to BSN Programs Ohio

Landing a job with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) in Ohio may not be a challenge as most other states. But if you’re a working ADN RN, advancing in the profession without a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) is almost impossible. RNs today still question the necessity of a BSN degree, especially if they enjoy a rewarding career with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing. Certainly, career goals will mostly influence whether an RN goes back to school. However, a concerted effort to increase the education of the nursing workforce will play more of a factor than most RNs realize.

The ADN degree is the most common route for entry-level nursing. But as nursing organizations push for nurses to pursue higher degrees, more and more students are enrolling in the BSN program from the get-go. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) published a fact sheet that links higher education to lower mortality rates, more positive outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and fewer medication errors. State Boards, including the Ohio Board of Nursing, may soon impose legislature to remove the ADN as the minimum requirement for entry into nursing and require existing nurses to get their BSN within a specific timeframe.

Pressure from co-workers, employers, and state boards may ultimately drive many RNs to complete their education through a BSN completion program. Many are pleasantly surprised at the course content and how much it improves their understanding of patient care and their abilities and confidence moving forward. BSN completion programs are offered as an online program to fit the schedule of working RNs. With more than 24 state-approved programs in Ohio, students can take their pick of local and nationwide options for advancing their degree. What’s more, as employees have a vested interest in the advancement of their nurses, tuition reimbursement, paid leave, and flexible schedules may be a few of the many benefits available to support RNs in their quest for higher education.

Benefits of Progressing to a BSN Degree

For more than 32 percent of nurses, the associate’s degree is a stepping stone on the path to an advancing career in nursing. For these nurses, the RN to BSN program is a convenient and flexible means of earning a BSN that will provide a foundation for graduate study. The program gives greater insight and experience in various aspects of clinical practice and using critical thinking. With an emphasis on leadership, communication, and community care, the curriculum equips students with the skills to take on bigger roles.

Employers are doing their part to encourage ADN RNs to return to school. While 77 percent of Ohio’s hospital employers still hire nurses with an associate’s degree, they offer rewards to those who complete more education. Better compensation and titles would appeal to any nurse, but rewards may also include better work schedules and opportunities for promotions. In terms of compensation, A BSN RN has the potential to earn more than an ADN prepared nurse – up to $10,420 more annually.

Magnet status, awarded to hospitals by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, is a priority for many hospital administrators. They receive the coveted award following an extensive review and evaluation process of which the education of nurses is a major criterion. In order to qualify for Magnet status, nursing staff must have a BSN or higher (or be in the process of attaining it). Of course, there are other factors involved, but employers who already have the desired percentage of BSN nurses can check this requirement off their list of to-dos on the way to becoming a Magnet establishment. For current employees, it would mean going back to school or face an uncertain future.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” makes a strong case for increasing the BSN or higher workforce. The report single-handedly removed all resistance on the part of state boards, employers, and other associations by highlighting the complexities in the healthcare industry and indicating the need for an educated workforce to meet the challenges. With so many decision makers in support of higher learning for nurses, it pays to get ahead of the curve now and avoid unemployment or redundancy later on. In numerous states, ADN RNs are already feeling the pinch as they confront a worsening state of affairs where 79 percent of more advertised positions require a BSN degree, leaving them to take up positions in home health care, long-term care, and other non-hospital settings.

Job growth for registered nurses is expected to increase by 19% by the year 2022. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the greatest need will be in the area of preventative care for the retiring Baby Boomer population. The increasing cases of diabetes and obesity will require nurses to conduct public health education seminars in homes and communities. So while there’s a positive job outlook for nurses, employers are seeking BSNs for their leadership and critical thinking skills to improve positive outcomes and lower mortality rates. With opportunities to serve in community health and critical care, it’s the perfect time to consider a BSN completion program to improve your knowledge and clinical skills and remain marketable in the complex health care industry.

Requirements for Enrollment in an RN to BSN Program

Registered nurses with an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing can take their career to the next level by enrolling in a flexible online RN to BSN program. The bridge program expedites the transition to a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The program’s curriculum contains both didactic and clinical training to enhance the marketability of registered nurses and give them the advanced preparation to meet the health care needs of diverse individuals and communities.

The structure of online programs is specially designed for registered nurses who want the benefits that the advanced education offers but not at the detriment of their work schedules. Ideally, the program should also maximize the credits, previously earned, and the work experience of professional RNs to reduce the time required to earn a BSN degree.

In general, applicants to an RN to BSN program in Ohio should meet the following criteria:

  • Have a valid license as a registered nurse. If you’re a new graduate, you must pass the NCLEX-RN.
  • Earn a grade C or above in all prerequisite courses.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.75.
  • Provide names of academic and professional references.
  • Submit an official transcript of your college coursework.
  • Meet the health requirements, including CPR certification, criminal background clearance, TB screen, and immunizations.

Credits from your previous college courses and prerequisite courses completed at an accredited school may be applied to reduce your graduation requirements. With some dedication, you can complete the program’s requirements in just 12 months

The estimated cost the RN-BSN program for Ohio residents is $18,600 not including tuition, books, fees, transport, and miscellaneous expenses.

Ohio RN to BSN Programs:

Ada, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Ohio Northern University
525 South Main Street, Ada, OH 45810
419-772-2000

Akron, OH RN-BSN Programs:
The University of Akron
Akron, OH 44325
330-972-7111

Ashland, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Ashland University
401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805
419-289-4142

Athens, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Ohio University
1 Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701
740-593-1000

Cedarville, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Cedarville University
251 North Main Street, Cedarville, OH 45314
1-937-766-7700

Cincinnati, OH RN-BSN Programs:
College of Mount St. Joseph
5701 Delhi Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233-1670
513-244-4200

University of Cincinnati
2600 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati OH 45221
513-556-6000

Cleveland, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Case Western Reserve University
10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
216-368-2000

Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Avenue, Route 915, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214
216-687-3598

Columbus, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Ohio State University
Newton Hall, 1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
614-292-4041

Capital University
1 College and Main, Columbus, OH 43209-2394
614-236-6011

Mount Carmel College of Nursing
127 South Davis Avenue, Columbus, OH 43222
614-234-5800

Dayton, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435
937-775-3440

Euclid, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Notre Dame College
4545 College Road South, Euclid, OH 44121-4293
1-877-632-6446

Hamilton, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Miami University- Hamilton
1601 University Boulevard, Hamilton, OH 45011
513-785-3000

Kent, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Kent State University
800 East Summit Street, Kent, OH 44240
330-672-3000

Kettering, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Kettering College
3737 Southern Boulevard, Kettering, OH 45429
937-395-8601

Mount Vernon, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
800 Martinburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050
740-392-6868

North Canton, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Walsh University
2020 East Maple Street, North Canton, OH 44720
800-362-9846

Northwest Canton, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Malone University
2600 Cleveland Avenue, Northwest Canton, OH 44709
1-800-521-1146

Pepper Pike, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Ursuline College
2550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124
440-449-4200

Portsmouth, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Shawnee State University
940 Second Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662
800-959-2778

Rio Grande, OH RN-BSN Programs:
University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College
PO Box 500, Rio Grande, OH 45674
800-282-7201

Steubenville, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Franciscan University of Steubenville
1235 University Boulevard, Steubenville, OH 43952
740-283-3771

Sylvania, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Lourdes University
6832 Convent Boulevard, Sylvania, OH 43560
800-878-3210

Toledo, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Mercy College of Ohio
2221 Madison Avenue, Toledo, OH 43604
419-251-1313

The University of Toledo
2801 West Bancroft, Toledo, OH 43606-3390
1-800-586-5336

Urbana, OH RN-BSN Programs:
The Urbana University
579 College Way, Urbana, OH 43078
937-484-1400

Youngstown, OH RN-BSN Programs:
Youngstown State University
One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555
330-941-3000

Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.