Fastest Way To Become a Nurse in Ohio 2026
Learn about the fastest ways to become a nurse in Ohio, including LPN, ADN, and accelerated BSN programs. Explore options and start your nursing journey today.
Are you looking for the fastest way to become a nurse? Ohio offers several accelerated and bridge programs to help you start your career quickly.
These fast-track options can get you licensed and working as a nurse in as little as one year. The quickest way to become a nurse depends on your background and goals. For example, many prospective students become certified registered nurses to advance their careers and increase job opportunities. We explore how to become a certified registered nurse below.
Education Requirements for Nurses in Ohio
You'll need to complete all educational requirements for nurses based on your desired role. Paths include becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN), each with its own timeline, educational track, and licensing exam. If you're looking for the fastest way to become an RN, keep reading to learn about ways to speed up the process.
<h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiplomaOrGED">High School Diploma or GED</h3><p>All nursing programs in Ohio require applicants to have a high school diploma or GED. Strong grades in science and math are helpful. Some programs may also require prerequisite courses or a minimum GPA before admission.
</p><h3 id="section---NursingEducation">Nursing Education</h3><p>Ohio offers multiple paths to nursing, including practical nursing certificates, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. From these programs, aspiring nurses gain hands-on clinical work, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of theory.
</p><p>Those who already have a bachelor's degree may pursue <a href="https://learn.org/articles/12_month_accelerated_nursing_programs.html">12-month accelerated nursing programs</a>. All paths include both classroom and hands-on clinical experience.
</p><h3 id="section---NCLEXExam">NCLEX Exam</h3><p>After completing an approved nursing program, graduates must pass a national exam. Aspiring LPNs take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN), while those pursuing RN licensure must pass the NCLEX for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This test measures your readiness to practice safely and effectively as a nurse.
</p><h3 id="section---OhioLicensureRequirements">Ohio Licensure Requirements</h3><p>To obtain a nursing license in Ohio, you must graduate from an approved nursing program, pass the appropriate NCLEX exam, and complete a background check. You must also apply through the Ohio Board of Nursing and meet all documentation and fee requirements.
</p><h2 id="section---FastestWaysToBecomeANurseInOhio">Fastest Ways To Become a Nurse in Ohio</h2><p>Ohio offers several fast-track pathways to nursing, allowing individuals to start or advance their careers quickly. Keep reading to learn more about these program types.
</p><h3 id="section---LPNProgram">LPN Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> 12 to 18 months
</li></ul><p>These certificate programs prepare students for basic patient care, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities. Programs include classroom instruction and clinical practice. After completion, students must pass the NCLEX-PN exam to gain licensure.
</p><h3 id="section---AcceleratedBachelorOfScienceInNursing">Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One year
</li></ul><p>An accelerated BSN is designed for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. It covers advanced nursing theory, clinical rotations, and hands-on training. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
</p><h3 id="section---RNToBSNBridgeProgram">RN-to-BSN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years
</li></ul><p>This program is for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. It focuses on leadership, research, and community health. RNs can expand their career opportunities, qualify for management roles, and pursue graduate education if desired.
</p><h3 id="section---LPNToRNBridgeProgram">LPN-to-RN Bridge Program</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> One to two years
</li></ul><p>This bridge program allows LPNs to become RNs. This builds on prior experience and includes coursework and clinicals in more advanced nursing care.
</p><h3 id="section---AssociateDegreeInNursing">Associate Degree in Nursing</h3><ul><li><b>Typical program length:</b> Two years
</li></ul><p>An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) prepares students to become registered nurses through foundational coursework and clinical experience. This prepares nurses for entry-level roles in various healthcare settings.
</p><h2 id="section---FastestNursingDegreesInOhio">Fastest Nursing Degrees in Ohio</h2><p>Accelerated nursing programs can help you achieve your career goals quickly. Learn about some of the fastest nursing degrees in Ohio.
</p><h3 id="section---1.AshlandUniversity">1. Ashland University</h3><p>Ashland University offers an accelerated nursing BSN program for students with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. This 15-month, full-time program includes hands-on clinical experience and classroom instruction. The delivery format is in-person on location in Ohio. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $8,700 per term
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.BaldwinWallaceUniversity">2. Baldwin Wallace University</h3><p>At Baldwin Wallace University, students can pursue an accelerated BSN program if they already have a bachelor's degree in a different field. However, they may need to complete some prerequisite courses to enroll.
</p><p>The program includes on-campus classes, clinical lab training, and hospital-based clinical rotations. Students learn at healthcare facilities in the Cleveland area.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $42,644 for the total program
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.CapitalUniversity">3. Capital University</h3><p>Capital University in Columbus, OH, offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. To enter this program, you must already have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
</p><p>The program features a flexible, hybrid track, which features asynchronous online lectures and in-person hands-on experience. Students complete over 650 hours of clinical rotations.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $664 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 20 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.KentStateUniversity">4. Kent State University</h3><p>Kent State University offers an accelerated BSN program in nursing for students who have a bachelor's degree in another field. The program includes in-person classes and clinical experiences at healthcare facilities across Northeast Ohio. Students can choose between daytime or evening/weekend cohorts based on their scheduling needs.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $13,466 per year
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 15 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.MountCarmelCollegeOfNursing">5. Mount Carmel College of Nursing</h3><p>Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a BSN program for individuals with a non-nursing bachelor's degree. The program is available in two formats — an intensive 13-month track and a flexible 18-month track. Coursework combines online lectures, on-campus labs, and clinical rotations.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $950 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 13 months
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We rank schools using a combination of key academic and practical factors. We consider the following:
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All programs come from institutions with recognized accreditation to ensure educational quality.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> We choose programs that offer high-quality education.
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> We assess how quickly students can complete the program without compromising quality.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutTheFastestWayToFinishNursingSchoolInOhio">FAQs About the Fastest Way To Finish Nursing School in Ohio</h2><p>Accelerated nursing programs in Ohio help students with prior degrees become registered nurses more quickly. We'll cover commonly asked questions regarding these programs below.
</p><h3 id="section---HowLongIsNursingSchool">How Long Is Nursing School?</h3><p>It depends on the program type. Accelerated BSN programs typically take 12 to 20 months, while traditional BSN programs take about four years. Many community colleges offer affordable two-year associate degree programs.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesANursingDegreeCost">How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?</h3><p>Costs vary by school, but accelerated BSN programs in Ohio generally range from $30,000 to $60,000. Financial aid and scholarships may be available. You should look for <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheap_online_colleges_that_accept_fafsa.html">accredited online colleges that accept financial aid</a> so you can receive federal and state assistance.
</p><p>Keep in mind that tuition doesn't include additional expenses like scrubs, textbooks, and tech supplies. As you prepare for nursing school, it's also worth investing in the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/best_laptops_nursing_students.html">best laptop for nursing students</a> to support your coursework and clinicals.
</p><h3 id="section---CanYouBecomeAnRNInOneYear">Can You Become an RN in One Year?</h3><p>Yes, some accelerated programs are designed to be completed in about 12 months, but these are intensive and require full-time commitment.
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>Start your journey toward a rewarding career in healthcare today. Browse the programs on Lean.org and contact individual schools for more information on the application process.</p>