Description: This program equips individuals with the foundational skills required to assist patients with daily activities under the supervision of registered nurses. 

Educational Pathway: Completion of a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), which includes a minimum of 75 hours of training. Training covers essential topics like basic nursing skills, personal care, infection control, and residents’ rights

Training Formats:

• Full-Time: Typically completed in a few weeks.

• Part-Time Training: 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. 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.

Description: A program that 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. 

Educational Pathway: Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program typically offered by community colleges or vocational schools

Program Duration & Format: 

• Full-Time: Typically 12-18 months

• Part-time: Available at select institutions but may extend the program duration due to course sequencing and limited availability  

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, English, and mathematics.

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

Learn More: Ohio Board of Nursing

Description: An associate degree program that 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.

Educational Pathway: Completion of an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-N) program, typically offered by community colleges and technical schools.

Program Duration & Format: 

• Full-Time: Approximately 2 years.

• Part-Time: Available at some institutions but will extend the program length due to scheduling.

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, English, and psychology.

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.

Learn More: AAS-N Program

Description: A comprehensive program that prepares individuals for professional nursing practice, emphasizing leadership, research, and clinical skills. It equips graduates to meet the complex demands of today’s healthcare environment. 

Educational Pathway: Completion of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, typically offered by universities and colleges.

Program Duration & Format: 

• Full-Time: Typically 4 years.

• Part-Time: RN to BSN programs, such as those offered by Ohio University, are designed for working nurses and can be completed on a part-time basis.

Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; completion of prerequisite courses such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, English, and psychology.

Certification & Licensure: Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, individuals are licensed as RNs by the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Learn More: BSN Program

Description: A specialized track within the BSN program focusing on mental health nursing, emphasizing mental health nursing theory, clinical practice, and patient advocacy.

Educational Pathway: Completion of a BSN program with a focus or specialization in psychiatric-mental health nursing. This may include dedicated coursework and clinical rotations in mental health settings. 

Program Duration: Varies; typically integrated into the BSN program

Prerequisites: Completion of a BSN program; additional coursework or clinical experience in psychiatric-mental health nursing may be required. 

Certification: Graduates may pursue certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (PMHN) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Licensure: Must hold an active RN license in Ohio.

Description: An advanced practice 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.

Educational Pathway: Completion of a Master of Science in Nursing program, which offers advanced education in various nursing specialties.

Program Duration & Format: 

• Full-Time: Typically 2-3 years.

• Part-Time: Many MSN programs, including those at Ohio University, offer part-time options to accommodate working professionals.

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 are eligible for advanced practice certifications depending on the chosen specialty (e.g., nurse practitioner, nurse educator). They must hold an active RN license in Ohio. 

Description: A specialized MSN 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. 

Educational Pathway: Completion of an MSN program with a specialization in psychiatric-mental health nursing. This 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: Completion of an MSN program; additional coursework or clinical experience in psychiatric-mental health nursing may be required.

Certification & Licensure: Graduates are eligible for certification as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). They must also hold an active RN License in Ohio.