BSN Programs in Ohio

Becoming RN in Ohio

Ohio nursing programs are turning down hundreds of competent applicants every year because of nursing faculty shortage. This has also created nursing graduate shortage as well as a decline in nurses that earn their baccalaureate nursing degrees. This is observed as the enrollment for BSN programs in Ohio have decreased by 62% (data provided by the Nursing Institute of Western Ohio). This constant decrease has a major impact on the vacancy rates throughout Ohio hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Though there is a great need for RNs throughout the state, those that are admitted into BSN programs are still being academically sifted.

It has been predicted that the state will have a need for 32,000 registered nurses by 2020; and according to Salary.com 2012 report, the median annual wage for RNs in Akron is $64,615 while Cleveland is at $66,990; these are two of the highest paid cities in Ohio. The wages vary depending on several factors such as location, experience and educational achievements.

To get your BSN degree in Ohio, you can use this section to find suitable school near you. Here is a review of three nursing schools that can get you started -

Bryant & Stratton College

The BSN program of this public college is an outcome-based education and training curriculum with a personalized approach in teaching. It also comprises of nursing clinical and faculty support, with the nursing director being hands-on in terms of program instruction. This school is unique in the sense that students and instructors all have a say in providing curriculum feedback.

B&S College's BSN program is specifically designed to suite the student's life. You have the option to take the day, evening or online classes. Internship for students that study the traditional way are set in high-tech medical facilities.

Cleveland State University

Graduates of this university's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are seen to have strong theoretical and clinical foundations. They make use of the community-based nursing program which prepares students to become competitive in primary, secondary and even tertiary settings.

Their School of Nursing is a Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs as well as an American Association of Colleges of Nursing member. The BSN program is CCNE accredited.

Kent State University

This public university offers one of the finest nursing programs in the country. The school faculty is dedicated to help students reach their nursing goals and potential.

KSU offered its first batch of BSN degrees in 1971. At present, there are several clinical agencies and affiliations for the school in terms of clinical experience. Students, therefore, have the chance to select which clinical setting will broaden their nursing knowledge and skills.

Where possible, we include NCLEX pass rates data for each campus. The average pass rates are calculated using the last 3 years of data. The average scores are then used in our annual RN/PN rankings. You can read more about it here. You can also view this year's rankings for Ohio here.

Updated: March 10, 2026