5 Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in Ohio 2025

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or even gaining admission to one of the many competitive programs is not easy. Some nursing schools require a high grade point average (GPA), standardized test scores, and strong recommendations. However, if you're in Ohio, you can get into a reputable degree program after exploring our list of the easiest nursing schools to get into.

How Competitive Are Nursing Schools in Ohio?

Even the easiest nursing degrees are difficult to obtain because nursing school curricula feature a rigorous combination of on-campus courses, clinical experiences and simulations in various healthcare settings, and more. Nursing school is an attractive option for those who aspire to start a career in patient care.

Since there are many qualified prospective students in Ohio cities, like Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Youngstown, and other areas, you'll have to make sure you get good grades in all pre-nursing courses to impress admissions faculty at most nursing schools.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for Ohio Nursing Schools?

Although we have listed the easiest nursing schools to get into throughout Ohio below, it's essential to note that most colleges have a competitive and self-selecting applicant pool. The nursing school requirements for admission vary depending on where you apply, but most expect incoming students to earn at least a 3.0 GPA.

Nursing Schools With the Highest Acceptance Rates in Ohio

Here are some of the best nursing schools with high acceptance rates in Ohio. These offer high-quality training and a chance to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) before earning a registered nurse (RN) license.

1. Kent State University - Ashtabula

Kent State University - Ashtabula not only has a 100% acceptance rate but also a 92% NCLEX pass rate and 99% job placement for new nurses within six months of graduation. Kent State offers multiple ways to obtain a BSN degree, along with an accelerated second degree option for experienced practical nurses. These programs prepare students for nursing careers as RNs, nursing teachers, medical service managers, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $325.80 per credit hour (in-state); $720.60 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

2. University of Toledo

The University of Toledo's School of Nursing provides multiple tracks for earning a BSN and cooperates with local community colleges to help RNs transfer credits from other programs. Its RN-BSN dual program takes 120 hours to complete, but if you already hold an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), then you may only need 60 hours to finish. Toledo promotes this program as ''competency-based education,'' with asynchronous courses offered 100% online.

• Estimated tuition cost: $397.75 per credit hour (in-state); $787.75 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

3. Wright State University

Wright State University has a high acceptance rate for its undergraduate and graduate programs. Besides its traditional BSN program, the nursing school also offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and four other nursing certifications. RNs can also utilize the university's bridge program to finish their BSN degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $357 per credit hour (in-state); $826 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Ohio University

Ohio University's graduates pass the NCLEX-RN exam at a 98.49% rate after completing one of its BSN degrees. You can also earn an MSN or finish an RN-to-BSN program while working full-time thanks to its 100% online curriculum.

The tuition costs are also reasonable, even for out-of-state students, which you can lower further by applying for financial aid or earning one of eight nursing scholarships at Ohio University.

• Estimated tuition cost: $307 per credit hour (in-state); $312 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 89%
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati's College of Nursing has over 100 years of experience training nurses, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals. Its traditional BSN program involves more on-campus coursework and clinical practice, but it can also be a hybrid of face-to-face and distance education.

The school's RN-to-BSN program is 100% online with asynchronous coursework and convenient seven-week sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,326 per semester (in-state); $7,506 per semester (out-of-state)
• Acceptance rate: 88%
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

This is how we rank the easiest nursing programs to get into in Ohio. The rankings methodology includes three important criteria: accreditation status, applicant acceptance rates, and program reputation.

• Accreditation: These universities hold nursing accreditations from review boards, like ACEN or CCNE.
• Acceptance rates: Schools must accept at least the majority of applicants to make this list.
• Program reputation: These are reputable programs that offer advanced training and hands-on experience opportunities to on-campus or online students.

What Can I Expect From a Nursing Degree Program?

Nursing coursework can be arduous, whether you enroll as a direct-entry after high school or as a transfer student. Most programs require you to take math and health science courses, training in advanced nursing specialties (like pediatrics or mental health), clinical rotations in real-world settings, and other pre-licensure requirements.

Once you finish school, you'll have to undergo a background check and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to begin your career. If you already possess some nursing experience and education, then the fastest way to finish these requirements is to enter the easiest RN to BSN program online.

FAQs About the Easiest Nursing Programs To Get Into

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about nursing education. This also addresses how long it takes to complete a degree and the best ways to handle prerequisite nursing courses.

Is Nursing School Hard?

Nursing school is one of the most rigorous academic fields for several reasons. The specific nursing training in real-world clinical settings is fast-paced and detailed. Nursing programs also require students to take several credit hours of mathematics, chemistry, biology, liberal arts, and other difficult prerequisite subjects before graduation.

Read More: Can I Be a Nurse If I Am Bad at Math?

Are Online Nursing Schools Easier Than Traditional Programs?

Many online nursing schools are easier than traditional BSN degrees because they often offer more flexible delivery, including asynchronous course times. This is especially true when you pursue an online program at less than a full-time pace. It's also generally easier to take lower-division nursing courses at a community college before transferring to a four-year university.

Can I Get Into Nursing School With a Low TEAS Score?

Some universities require the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) while others do not. You should check each nursing school's website to see if they set a cutoff score you must meet for admissions. If you must achieve a certain score for your desired university, then consider taking a preparatory course to boost your score.

What Is the Fastest RN Program in Ohio?

The fastest RN programs are accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs, which you can complete within 15 months. Several schools offer this opportunity, including Baldwin Wallace University, Kent State University, the University of Akron, and Mercy College of Ohio. Note that ABSN degrees are more rigorous than traditional BSN degrees and often have more competitive admissions standards.

What Is the Job Outlook for Nurses in Ohio?

The nursing career outlook in Ohio looks positive for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the field may add about 6% more jobs between 2023 and 2033.

What Is the Hardest Nursing Class?

The hardest subject in nursing could be among the following: organic chemistry, statistics, microbiology, or even college algebra. The answer is subjective and different for each person, but these are the topics with the highest failure rates among pre-nursing students.

If you want an alternative way to complete one of these specific subjects, enroll in self-paced nursing prerequisites online to complete each one individually before entering nursing school.

Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into Near You

You can use Learn.org to find the easiest nursing schools and online nursing programs anywhere in the country. Our publications can help you identify the best associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and other graduate programs for any major.