Degrees & Certifications:

The Nursing & Related Certifications degree family can lead to key roles in behavioral health. Although nursing, more broadly, is part of the medical field, this page focuses specifically on nursing careers in behavioral health. The nursing category includes programs such as nurse aide training, practical nursing certificates, registered nursing degrees, as well as advanced certifications like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Psychiatric Nursing

Ohio faces a critical nursing shortage, with nearly 40% of nurses planning to exit the field within the next five years.

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DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS

These programs are designed to meet the growing healthcare needs in Ohio, providing a pathway for individuals to enter and advance in the nursing profession. Each credential offers unique opportunities and prepares nurses to deliver high-quality care across various healthcare settings.

    • Description: Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training. This program equips individuals with the foundational skills required to assist patients with daily activities under the supervision of registered nurses. Training covers essential topics like basic nursing skills, personal care, infection control, and residents’ rights.

    • Program Duration: A few weeks (full-time) or longer if part-time. Evening or weekend classes are available at some institutions to support working adults.

    • Prerequisites: Generally, no formal education requirements; however, a High School Diploma or GED may be preferred. 

    • Certification & Licensure: Upon completing training, candidates must pass the Ohio Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation through the Ohio Department of Health. Successful candidates are listed on the Ohio Nurse Aide Registry and recognized as Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) or State-Tested Nurse Aides (STNAs) in Ohio. Registry listing is required to work in long-term care facilities. 

    • Description: A Certificate or Diploma in Practical Nursing prepares individuals to provide basic nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians. Practical nurses play a vital role in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Community colleges and vocational schools generally offer these programs.

    • Program Duration: 12-18 months (full-time), or longer if part-time. Part-time programs are available at select institutions but may extend the program duration due to course sequencing and limited availability.

    • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; may require high school-level anatomy and physiology, English, and mathematics.

    • Licensure & Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Upon passing the NCLEX-PN, individuals are licensed as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

    • Description: An Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-N) program, typically offered by community colleges and technical schools, provides the necessary education and clinical experience to become a registered nurse (RNs). It combines classroom instruction with hands-on clinical practice in healthcare settings.

    • Program Duration: 2 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Part-time programs are available at some institutions but will extend the program length due to scheduling.

    • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; may require high school-level anatomy and physiology, English, and mathematics.

    • Certification & Licensure: Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become Registered Nurses (RNs). After passing, individuals become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs) by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

    • Description: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program (BSN) is a comprehensive program that prepares individuals for professional nursing practice, emphasizing leadership, research, and clinical skills. Four-year colleges and universities typically offer the BSN. 

    • Program Duration: 4 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. RN to BSN programs are designed for working nurses and can be completed on a part-time basis.

    • Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; may require high school-level anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, English, and psychology.

    • Certification & Licensure: Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs) by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

    • Description: The Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification is a specialized track within the BSN program, focusing on mental health nursing. The certification emphasizes mental health nursing theory, clinical practice, and patient advocacy. It may include dedicated coursework and clinical rotations in mental health settings, resulting in a BSN with a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification. 

    • Program Duration: Varies; typically integrated into the 4-year BSN program.

    • Prerequisites: High School Diploma / GED. 

    • Certification & Licensure: First, take the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as Registered Nurses (RNs) by the Ohio Board of Nursing. With an active RN license, individuals may take the Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing board certification examination American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), resulting in a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC).

    • Description: A Master of Science in Nursing degree is an advanced practice graduate program that offers specialized education in various nursing roles, including nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and nurse leader. It focuses on leadership, clinical expertise, and evidence-based practice.

    • Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time), or longer if part-time. Many MSN programs offer part-time options, to accommodate working professionals. Advanced Standing: An Advanced Standing MSN program is an accelerated option for Registered Nurses (RNs), allowing them to earn their MSN in a shorter time of 1-2 years. 

    • Prerequisites: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution; active RN license; minimum GPA requirements; clinical experience may be required. 

    • Certification & Licensure: Graduates holding an active RN license are eligible to apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from the Ohio Board of Nursing. 

    • Description: A MSN with Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification is a specialized track focusing on advanced practice nursing in psychiatric and mental health settings. It focuses on diagnosing and treating individuals with mental health conditions across the lifespan, integrating therapy, medication management, and holistic care. The program includes advanced coursework and extensive clinical training in mental health settings. 

    • Program Duration: Approximately 2-3 years, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment.

    • Prerequisites: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution; active RN license; minimum GPA requirements; clinical experience may be required. 

    • Certification & Licensure:  Graduates holding an active RN license are eligible to apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from the Ohio Board of Nursing. Graduates may also take the Psychiatric–Mental Health Nursing board certification examination American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), resulting in a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC).

    • Description: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares graduates for a variety of clinical (working with patients) and non-clinical roles, including senior leadership positions at hospitals and universities. Coursework typically includes Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, Health Assessment, Clinical Reasoning and Decision Making, Leadership and Management, Research Methods, Ethics and Legal Issues, and other specialization courses. A common requirement is more than 1,000 clinical practice hours in a chosen specialty area, such as family practice, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, or psychiatric mental health.

    • Program Duration: 2-4 years (30-90 credits).

    • Prerequisites: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

    • Certification & Licensure: An individual entering a DNP program typically already holds their RN or APRN license. If not, then the individual becomes eligible to apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from the Ohio Board of Nursing after completing the DNP. Item description

    • Description: A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program prepares graduates to treat behavioral health patients with therapy and medications. Students will learn to diagnose and manage acute and chronic mental health problems across the lifespan while enhancing their skills in physical and psychosocial assessment, clinical decision-making, and health promotion and disease prevention. Coursework includes pathophysiology, statistics, health informatics, research, health promotion, advanced pharmacology, genetics, diagnosis, pediatrics, gerontology, methodologies, leadership, differential diagnosis theory, neurobiology, public policy, organizational and systems management psychiatric diagnosis, ethics, and more. 

    • Program Duration: 3 to 5 years.

    • Prerequisites: Some programs are designed for students entering with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while others are for those entering with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

    • Certification & Licensure: An individual entering a DNP program typically already holds their RN or APRN license. If not, then the individual becomes eligible for the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from the Ohio Board of Nursing after completing the DNP. After completing the DNP PMHNP program, an individual will be eligible to take the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) certification examination through the American Nurse Credentialing Center, giving them the PMHNP-BC certification. Item description

    • Description: A Ph.D. in Nursing prepares nurses for careers in academia, research, administration, and consultation. Graduates can also serve as leaders in clinical agencies, health policy organizations, and more. Programs may offer specializations such as symptom science, family/community care, aging across the lifespan, self-management of health and illness, and neuroscience. Categories of coursework include Knowledge Development/Theory, Research Methods, Statistics, Support, and Preparation for Research. Most programs require a dissertation.

    • Program Duration: 4 to 6 years.

    • Prerequisites: Prerequisites include a bachelor's degree in nursing, passing the NCLEX-RN exam, and sometimes a master's degree in nursing. Some programs are designed for students entering with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), while others are for those entering with a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

    • Certification & Licensure: An individual entering a Ph.D. in Nursing program typically already holds their RN or APRN license. If not, then the individual becomes eligible to apply for an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) license from the Ohio Board of Nursing after completing the Ph.D. Because holders of a Ph.D. in Nursing typically work in non-clinical roles, licensing beyond the RN may not be necessary.

WHERE TO STUDY IN OHIO

Some public universities also have regional campuses that are comparable to community colleges in programs, costs, and access.

NON-COLLEGE TRAINING PROGRAMS

  • Aultman College

    • Location: Canton, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN, RN-to-BSN, BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online

    Cuyahoga Community College

    • Location: Cleveland, Highland Hills, Parma, and Westlake, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN,

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnerships: Cleveland State University – Tri-C students who graduate with their ADN and earn their RN license complete their BSN in CSU’s Online program, while working.

    Hondros College of Nursing

    • Location: Akron, Independence, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN (Traditional and Direct Entry), BSN partnership

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnership: American Public University – ADN graduates can pursue their BSN through APU with a 20% tuition grant and a head start in credits earned.

    Lakeland Community College

    Lorain County Community College

    • Location: Elyria, OH

    • Programs Offered: STNA, LPN, ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN, Paramedic-to-RN), RN-to-BSN (3+1)

    • Training Format: In Person and hybrid (RN-to-BSN)

    • Partnership: Ohio University – LCCC ADN students can take three years of coursework at LCCC and then finish their BSN degree through OU’s Online RN-to-BSN program.

    North Central State College

    • Location: Mansfield, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN, BSN

    • Training Format: In Person

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    Remington College

    • Location: Maple Heights, OH

    • Programs Offered: Medical Assisting Diploma

    • Training Format: In-person

    Stark State College

    • Location: North Canton, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Aide Training (CNA), LPN, ADN, RN, RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

  • Athena Career Academy

    • Location: Toledo, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, LPN-to-RN (diploma)

    • Delivery Format: In person 

    Hondros College of Nursing

    • Location: Maumee, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), BSN, MSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (BSN, MSN)

    • Partnership: Online BSN and MSN programs are available through their sister institutions, American Public University and American Military University.

    Mercy College of Ohio

    • Location: Toledo, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN, BSN (Traditional, Accelerated, RN-to-BSN), MSN (Traditional, RN-to-MSN)

    • Delivery Format: In person and Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN, and RN-to-MSN)

    Northwest State Community College

    • Location: Archbold, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Owens Community College

    • Location: Perrysburg, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant/Home Health Aide, LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: In person

    • Partnership: University of Toledo - Students earn an ADN at Owens. Once licensed as an RN, students move into University of Toledo's Online RN-to-BSN program, with no additional admission fee.

    Rhodes State College

    • Location: Lima, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant, Advanced Nurse Assistant, LPN ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN, BSN partnership

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnerships:

      • Bluffton University - Students earn ADN from Rhodes State College then finish BSN at Bluffton.

      • Defiance College - Students enroll in Defiance for Year 1, attend one of the other schools to earn their RN in Years 2 and 3, and come back to Defiance to earn their BSN in Year 4.

      • Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner 

    Terra State Community College

    • Location: Fremont, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), BSN partnership

    • Delivery Format: In Person and hybrid (1-2-1 Nursing Pathway)

    • Partnership: Heidelberg College - 1-2-1 Nursing Pathway: In Year 1 students study at Heidelberg, in Years 2 and 3 students attend Terra and earn an AAS in Nursing, and in Year 4 students take Online classes to earn their BSN.

  • American Institute of Alternative Medicine

    • Location: Columbus, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, LPN-to-RN

    • Delivery Format: Hybrid

    Columbus State Community College

    • Location: Columbus and Delaware, OH

    • Programs Offered: AAS, BSN In Nursing

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    Central Ohio Technical College

    • Location: Newark, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant, LPN, ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN, Paramedic-to-RN), RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    • Partnerships: COTC has transfer agreements with The Ohio State University, University of Akron, and University of Phoenix for students interested in continuing for a 4-year degree.

    Clark State College

    • Location: Beavercreek and Springfield, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN, Paramedic-to-RN), BSN Completion

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Hybrid (BSN Completion)

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    Edison State Community College

    • Location: Piqua, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant, LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    Hondros College of Nursing

    • Location: Westerville, Columbus, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN (Traditional and Direct Entry), BSN partnership

    • Delivery Format: In person

    • Partnership: American Public University – ADN graduates can pursue their BSN through APU with a 20% tuition grant and a head start in credits earned.

    Marion Technical College

    • Location: Marion, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN (Traditional, Advanced Standing to RN), Dual Degree ADN/AS

    • Delivery Format: In person

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    Mount Carmel College of Nursing

    • Location: Columbus, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional, Accelerated, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN), MSN (Nursing Leadership, Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education), Post-Graduate Certificate, DNP In Nursing

    • Delivery Format: In person and Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP)

    Rhodes State College

    • Location: Lima

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant, Advanced Nurse Assistant, LPN, ADN (Traditional, LPN-RN) RN-to-BSN, BSN partnership

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    • Partnership:

      • Bluffton University – Students earn an ADN from Rhodes State College then finish BSN at Bluffton.

      • Defiance College – Students enroll in Defiance for Year 1, attend Rhodes to earn their RN in Years 2 and 3, and come back to Defiance to earn their BSN in Year 4.

      • The Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

  • Belmont College

    • Location: St. Clairsville, OH

    • Program Offered: ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN, Paramedic-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnerships:

      • American College of Education, Chamberlain University, Franklin University, Kent State University, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, West Liberty University, and Wheeling University offer a pathway to a four-year degree through articulation agreements with Belmont College.

      • Indiana Wesleyan - Students earning the ADN can earn their BSN in one year.

    Hocking College

    • Location: Nelsonville, OH

    • Program Offered: ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: Primarily In Person

    University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College

    • Location: Rio Grande, OH

    • Program Offered: ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), BSN, MSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person, hybrid (LPN-to-RN), and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    Washington State Community College

    • Location: Marietta, OH

    • Program Offered: Nurse Assistant, ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

  • ATA College

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: Hybrid

    Cincinnati State Technical and Community College

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Aide certificate, LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Clark State College

    • Location: Beavercreek and Springfield, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Aide certificate, ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN, Paramedic-to-RN), BSN Completion

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Hybrid (BSN Completion)

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN In Nursing

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Good Samaritan College of Nursing & Health Science

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant certificate, LPN, ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Hondros College of Nursing

    • Location: Dayton, West Chester, Fairborn, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN (Traditional and Direct Entry), BSN partnership

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnership: American Public University – ADN graduates can pursue their BSN through APU with a 20% tuition grant and a head start in credits earned.

    Edison State Community College

    • Location: Piqua, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant certificate, LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), RN-to-BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    • Partnership: Ohio State University – Path2BSN partner

    Kettering College

    • Location: Kettering, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, Accelerated), MSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    Sinclair Community College

    • Location: Dayton, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Aide certificate, ADN, BSN, Certificate in Perioperative Nursing, RN Scrub Certificate, Legal Nurse Consultant Certificate

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnership: University of Dayton – Students are dually enrolled in Sinclair and UD and complete both ADN and BSN degrees.

    Southern State Community College

    • Location: Hillsboro, Mt. Orab, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nurse Assistant, LPN, ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnerships: Southern State's ADN program has articulation/transfer partnerships for Nursing with the following four-year institutions: 

      • Chamberlain University, Indiana Wesleyan

      • Muskingum University

      • Northern Kentucky University

      • The Ohio State University

      • Ohio University

      • Shawnee State University

      • University of Cincinnati

      • Walden University

      • Western Governors University

      • Wittenberg University

      • Wright State University.

COMMUNITY & SPECIALIZED COLLEGES

  • Ashland University

    • Location: Ashland and Mansfield, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional, Advanced Entry, Accelerated), Graduate Certificate (Nurse Educator, School Nurse), DNP

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Baldwin Wallace University

    • Location: Berea, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional, Accelerated)

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Bryant & Stratton College

    • Location: Parma, OH

    • Programs Offered: LPN, ADN, BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Case Western Reserve University - Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing

    • Location: Cleveland, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN, MN, MSN, DNP, PhD, Dual Doctorate PhD/DNP, MSN to Doctorate, Post Graduate Certificate/Continuing Education

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Cleveland State University

    • Location: Cleveland, OH

    • Programs Offered: RN-to-BSN, BSN (Traditional, Accelerated, Online Accelerated), MSN (various specialties), Graduate Certificate (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online

    The College of Wooster

    • Location: Wooster, OH

    • Programs Offered: Dual degree 3-2 BA/MSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnership: Case Western Reserve University - Students spend three years at The College of Wooster earning a BA degree of their choice, then transfer to CWRU to complete their MSN in two years.

    Franciscan University of Steubenville

    Hiram College

    • Location: Hiram, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    John Carroll University

    • Location: University Heights, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Kent State University

    • Location: Kent, OH and Regional Campuses in Ashtabula, Burton, East Liverpool, New Philadelphia, North Canton, Salem, and Warren

    • Programs Offered: ADN (Traditional, LPN-to-ADN, Paramedic-to-ADN), BSN (Traditional, Accelerated, LPN & Allied Health-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN), MSN, Post-Master’s Certificates, DNP, PhD in Nursing

    • Delivery Format: In Person (ADN, BSN), Hybrid (MSN, Post-Master’s Certificates, PhD), and Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN, Post-Master’s Certificates, DNP

    Malone University

    • Location: Canton, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN, MSN

    • Training Format: In Person & Online

    University of Akron

    • Location: Akron, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, Traditional, Accelerated), MSN, DNP (Traditional and Nurse Anesthesia), Graduate Certificate in Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    University of Akron Wayne College

    • Location: Orrville, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN, BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person 

    University of Mount Union

    • Location: Alliance, OH

    • Programs Offered: Traditional BSN, fast-track BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN-FNP

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Ursuline College

    • Location: Pepper Pike, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (RN-to-BSN, Traditional, Accelerated), MSN (Traditional, RN-to-MSN), DNP (Traditional, BSN-to-DNP, DNP Nurse Anesthesia)

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN, DNP)

    Walsh University

    • Location: North Canton, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and Fast Track), MSN, DNP,

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (Fast Track BSN)

    Youngstown State University

    • Location: Youngstown, OH

    • Programs Offered: ADN, BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN), MSN, Post-Graduate Certificate, DNP in Nurse Anesthesia

    • Delivery Format: In Person, Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN, Post-Graduate Certificate), and Hybrid

  • Bluffton University

    • Location: Bluffton, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnership: Rhodes State College - Students earn ADN from Rhodes State College then finish BSN at Bluffton.

    Bowling Green State University

    • Location: Bowling Green, OH

    • Programs Offered: Pre-Nursing, BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN)

    • Partnerships: Mercy College of Nursing - One option for students is taking pre-nursing courses at BGSU and then applying for admission to Mercy for their nursing clinical courses.

    BGSU – Firelands Campus

    • Location: Huron, OH

    • Programs Offered: Nursing diploma with non-nursing AAS, ADN (LPN-to-RN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnerships:

      • Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing (FRMCSN) - students complete support courses through Firelands and attend nursing courses at FRMCSN

      • BGSU - Students completing their AAS are eligible to enroll in BGSU's RN-to-BSN Online degree completion program.

    Defiance College

    • Location: Defiance, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnerships: Northwest State Community College and Rhodes College - Students enroll in Defiance for Year 1, attend one of the other schools to earn their RN in Years 2 and 3, and come back to Defiance to earn their BSN in Year 4.

    Heidelberg University

    • Location: Tiffin, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN)

    • Delivery Format: Hybrid

    • Partnership: Terra State Community College - 1-2-1 Nursing Pathway: In Year 1, students study at Heidelberg, in Years 2 and 3 they attend Terra and earn an ADN, and in Year 4 students take Online classes from Heidelberg to earn their BSN.

    Lourdes University

    • Location: Sylvania, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN, MSN (Traditional and Direct Entry), DNP (Nurse Anesthesia, Population Health)

    • Delivery Format: In Person and hybrid (MSN)

    Ohio Northern University

    • Location: Ada, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    University of Findlay

    • Location: Findlay, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    University of Toledo

    • Location: Toledo, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN), MSN (Family Nurse Practitioner, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Graduate Entry), DNP

    • Delivery Format: In person and Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP)

    • Partnership: Owens Community College - Students earn an ADN at Owens. Once licensed as an RN, students move into University of Toledo's Online RN-to-BSN program, with no additional admission fee.

  • Capital University

    • Location: Columbus, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and Accelerated), MSN, MBA/MSN Dual Degree

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Cedarville University

    • Location: Cedarville, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format:  In Person

    Franklin University

    • Location: Columbus, OH

    • Programs Offered: RN-to-BSN, MSN (various specialties, RN-to-MSN), Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator, DNP (various specialties)

    • Delivery Format: Online

    Mount Vernon Nazarene University

    • Location: Mount Vernon, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN, DNP (various specialties)

    • Delivery Format: In person and Online (DNP) 

    Ohio Dominican University

    • Location: Columbus, OH

    • Programs Offered: Pre-Nursing, BSN partnerships

    • Delivery Format: Online

    • Partnerships:

      • Mount Carmel College of Nursing

        • Two-Year Advanced Placement Option – Students earn an AS degree in Health Science, then transfer to MCCN for two years to earn a BSN.

        • Multiyear Double-Degree Accelerated Option – Students spend 3.5-4 years at ODU earning a bachelor’s degree, then transfer to MCCN for an additional three semesters to earn a BSN.

      • Xavier University – Students complete a bachelor’s degree at ODU, then transfer to Xavier to earn their BSN in 16 months.

    Ohio Northern University

    • Location: Ada, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    The Ohio State University

    • Location: Columbus, OH and the Regional Campus in Marion (RN-to-BSN)

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional, Accelerated, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN), MSN (Traditional and Graduate Entry), DNP (Traditional and BSN-to-DNP), Doctor of Nurse Education (DNE), PhD

    • Delivery Format: Online and In Person

    • Partnership: Path2BSN partnership with the following ADN programs: Central Ohio Technical College, Columbus State Community College, Clark State Community College, Edison State Community College, Marion Technical College, North Central State College, and Rhodes State College.

    Otterbein University

    • Location: Westerville, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

  • Muskingham University

    • Location: New Concord, OH

    • Program Offered: BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN)

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN only)

    Ohio University

    • Location: Athens, OH or regional campuses (ADN on Regional Campuses only)

    • Program Offered: ADN, BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN), MSN, DNP-Nurse Anesthesia, BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP

    • Delivery Format: In Person, hybrid (all DNPs) and Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN)

    Shawnee State University

    • Location: Portsmouth, OH

    • Program Offered: ADN (Traditional and LPN-to-RN), BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN), MSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN and MSN only)

  • Cedarville University

    • Location: Cedarville, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN, MSN (multiple specialties), DNP (multiple specialties), Graduate Certificate

    • Delivery Format:  In Person and Online (MSN, DNP)

    • NOTE: Cedarville is in Central and Southwest

    Miami University

    • Location: Oxford, OH and regional campuses

    • Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, MSN/MBA dual degree, DNP

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (MSN)

    Mount St. Joseph University

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN, MSN, MSN (Traditional and Accelerated), DNP, Graduate Certificate

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (MSN, DNP, Graduate Certificates)

    University of Cincinnati

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH,

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional, RN-to-BSN), MSN (multiple specialties), MSN/MS in Criminal Justice dual degree, DNP, PhD, Graduate Certificate,

    • Delivery Format: In Person (BSN, MSN Direct Entry) and Online (RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP)

    University of Dayton

    • Location: Dayton, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    • Partnership: Sinclair Community College – Students are dually enrolled in Sinclair and UD and complete both ADN and BSN degrees.

    Wittenberg University

    • Location: Springfield, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN

    • Delivery Format: In Person

    Wright State University

    • Location: Dayton, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and RN-to-BSN), MS, DNP, Certificate in School Nursing

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (RN-to-BSN, MS, DNP, certificate)

    Xavier University

    • Location: Cincinnati, OH

    • Programs Offered: BSN (Traditional and Accelerated), MSN, MSN Direct Entry as Second Degree, MSN/MN in Criminal Justice dual degree, DNP, Post-Master's Certificates

    • Delivery Format: In Person and Online (MSN, DNP, Post-Master’s Certificates)

UNIVERSITIES & OTHER COLLEGES

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact accounts@mhaadvocacy.org so we can make the necessary corrections.