10 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in Ohio

There are so many different levels of nursing that it's hard to keep track of them all. From nursing assistants to registered nurses to nurse practitioners, each position involves a different level of experience and education.

And for registered nurses (RNs), the level of education needed to be competitive in your field is going up. The average nurse needs a bachelor's degree just to stand on even footing in the industry.

That's why there are now so many RN to BSN programs online degrees in Ohio specifically designed for active-duty nurses pursuing higher education. Let's talk about some of the best programs in the state for RNs who want to complete their bachelor's.

Top Ohio RN to BSN Programs Online

All of the cheapest online RN to BSN programs below assume you have already completed some nursing education and that you have an active, unrestricted registered nursing lihttps://learn.org/articles/affordable_online_degrees_rn_to_bsn.htmlcense at the time of admission. Keep this in mind when applying for programs.

1. Ohio University

Ohio University is the oldest public research university in Ohio and offers more than 250 areas of undergraduate study through nine campuses and online programs.

Ohio University's online RN to BSN program is designed to allow students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in as little as one year for less than $10,000. It offers the flexibility that working nurses need to finish a degree without stalling their career.

Classes are five weeks long and there are eight start dates each year to allow busy students to start their program when they have the most time.

2. The University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati (UC) is the oldest public research university in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of its 14 colleges is a dedicated college of medicine that provides undergraduate nursing programs.

UC's RN to BSN program only requires 27 credits and has courses that only last seven weeks because the makers of the program know how valuable a nurse's time is. Interested students can also minor in public health through this online degree.

Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months, part-time students in 18, and you can switch between full and part-time as needed.

3. The University of Akron

The University of Akron (UA) is a STEM-focused public research university that's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and part of the University System of Ohio.

Online students at UA get the exact same faculty and course offerings as on campus RN to BSN students. This program also gives you the ability to get a headstart on your master's program by letting you take three graduate courses alongside bachelor's classes.

Full-time students often complete this online RN to BSN program in only one year.

4. Ohio State University

Ohio State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research university that's part of the University System of Ohio and a member of the Association of American Universities.

OSU's 25 credit online RN to BSN program doesn't have any prerequisite course requirements in an effort to be open to all potential candidates regardless of education.

Licensed nurses who pursue this degree will receive a solid nursing knowledge foundation that lets them adapt to change and have the ability to work in a variety of healthcare settings after graduation.

5. Youngstown State University

Youngstown State University (YSU) is a public university in Ohio that comprises six undergraduate colleges and a graduate college offering degrees online and on campus.

The shortest and least expensive program yet, YSU's RN to BSN degree can be completed in as little as 10 months, making it one of the shortest online RN to BSN programs for less than $8,000 total.

Nursing students in this program learn to:

• evaluate and document information
• consider community health
• develop leadership skills within their RN role

6. The University of Toledo

The University of Toledo (UT) is a public research university in Toledo, Ohio that's known for its 450 acre Health Science campus and associated University of Toledo Medical Center.

UT's RN to BSN program is unique in that it's offered as a self-paced Competency-Based Education (CBE) program.

This means nursing students are able to apply prior knowledge to current classes and base their graduation speed on how quickly they can master new material. This provides the ultimate flexibility to online students.

UT has also partnered with other colleges to create a seamless transition from an associate's program at a community college to the RN to BSN program at UT.

7. Kent State University

Kent State University (KSU) is a public research university with a dozen campuses in Ohio, New York, and Italy. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer over 300 degrees.

KSU's RN to BSN program only has 10 courses for nursing students to take, though graduating with a bachelor's from the university requires 120 credit hours of college total and the completion of prerequisite courses.

This online degree program is designed specifically for actively licensed nurses transitioning from an associate program to a bachelor's.

8. Mercy College of Ohio

Originally founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy College of Ohio (MCO) is a private Roman Catholic nursing school accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It offers health science degrees through two Ohio campuses and online.

With a blended focus on critical thinking and caring, MCO's online RN to BSN program builds a strong foundation for the future careers of RNs who pursue a degree. It has three start times a year so that working students can choose the start time that best matches their free time.

9. Cleveland State University

Cleveland State University (CSU) is a public research university based in Cleveland, Ohio, that offers more than 200 programs in person and online through eight colleges.

CSU's RN to BSN program provides working nurses with a flexible online learning schedule and the ability to start a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program immediately after graduation. Students entering the program need to have an active RN license and completed prerequisites.

Prerequisite coursework for this program includes:

• Anatomy & Physiology I & II
• Chemistry (with lab)
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Psychology
• English I & II

10. Shawnee State University

Shawnee State University (SSU) is an open admissions public university in Portsmouth, Ohio, that is capable of awarding associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees from over 70 programs.

SSU's RN to BSN program shows its dedication to your success by employing expert nurse educators and offering small online classes that give you the personal attention you need to master your classes.

Nurses who need to work fast can take advantage of the accelerated curriculum, and graduates are fully prepared for graduate education or immediate career advancement.

What Is an RN to BSN Program?

An RN to BSN program is specifically designed to help licensed registered nurses complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing in a shorter time frame.

Whether these RNs have an associate's degree in nursing, a bachelor's in another subject, or just a lot of experience, RN to BSN programs are meant to capitalize on their past knowledge so they can finish what would normally be a four year degree in as little as one.

Why Is RN to BSN Important?

RN to BSN programs are important because they give working nurses the ability to complete a degree and advance in their careers without having to take time off work or spend upwards of four years in classes.

RN to BSN programs help nurses get back to doing what they do best - providing care to the public - faster.

Requirements for RN to BSN Programs in Ohio

The requirements for admission to an RN to BSN degree in Ohio are primarily based on the individual program you're in, but some common trends remain.

Most programs include these requirements for admission:

• an active, unrestricted Ohio RN license
• a completed associate's nursing degree or completed bachelor's program in another subject
• some prerequisite courses like anatomy and physiology and statistics

The easiest RN to BSN online programs usually have less strict requirements than other programs.

Begin Your Online RN to BSN Program Today

Now that you know about different online RN to BSN degrees in Ohio and what makes them so important, it's time to move forward in your healthcare journey by choosing the right program for you. Make a difference today by becoming a BSN in Ohio.