Nursing Schools in Ohio

Nursing schools in Ohio offer different degree programs depending on what career options and opportunities you would like to pursue upon completion. Below is a comprehensive guide to nursing schools in Ohio, what nursing school entails (including cost), and what you’re options are upon passing the NCLEX exam.

If you are seeking the best educational experience possible, you will want to go to attend one of the top nursing schools in Ohio. There are almost 100 nursing schools in Ohio listed. Knowing which ones are ranked the highest can make a difference in where you choose to enroll. Often completing a degree program at a quality school can also result in a better job offer.

Best Nursing School in Ohio for an Associate's Degree

If you need a fast track to completion, then the best nursing school in Ohio that offers a two year Associate’s in Nursing is the Bryant and Stratton College. The State of Ohio Board of Nursing also approves this program. The drawback to an Associate’s degree is that you are limited in your job choices.

Many hospitals prefer nurses with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This preference is because of a generalized field of study. Some Bachelor’s degree programs even offer coursework so that you can enter a specialized field such as anesthesiology or obstetrics upon completion.

Best Nursing Schools in Ohio For a Bachelor's Degree

The best nursing schools in Ohio to earn a Bachelor’s degree are the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, the Chamberlain College of Nursing, and the Indiana Wesleyan University. These options are ranked highly because of their state accreditation and their approval by the state nursing board. Attending an accredited nursing school in Ohio means that the programs and courses offered at that school meet the educational requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

While the above schools are some of the top accredited nursing schools in Ohio, there are several good nursing programs that should be considered. Competition to nursing programs is fierce and attending a good nursing school in Ohio is a better option than not attending school at all.

There are several websites that offer a complete list of nursing schools in Ohio. Be specific in your keyword search for best results. If you already have an LPN licence and are working toward an RN (or from an RN to a BSN), be sure to include that in your keyword search.

Best Online Nursing Schools in Ohio

There are several options for distance learning and online nursing schools in Ohio. This style of distance learning is geared toward a higher degree programs and is not recommended for students starting their nursing studies or for students without an RN. Some of the online nursing schools in Ohio are the University of Phoenix; College of Health and Human Services, the Walden University School of Nursing, the Jacksonville University School of Nursing, and the Kaplan University School of Nursing. These online programs are also good when pursuing continuing education credits and specialized nursing certificates.

Ohio Nursing School Curriculum

Students at nursing schools in Ohio will study a variety of topics. There are some courses that will require prerequisites before students can move on to specialized study. Strong science aptitude and strong communication abilities are important to the professional nurse. Be sure to study hard and make high marks in these areas as more and more hospitals require a copy of the student’s transcripts along with their applications for employment.

Cost of Nursing Schools in Ohio

Selecting an Ohio nursing school may also come down to the cost. Costs will vary depending on which degree program you choose to pursue. A good estimate is $250 to $300 per credit hour. Then there are additional cost such as books and materials. This can run approximately $1000 to $3000 per year. Some nursing schools also require hospitalization insurance at an additional cost of around $1,600. These costs do not include the registration and test fess for the NCLEX after formal training had been completed.

While the costs of nursing schools in Ohio is high, there are also several discounts and scholarship programs available to qualified applicants. These include government grants, scholarship programs, financial aid resources, and work-study programs.

Is Becoming a Nurse in Ohio Right for You?

Nursing careers are on the rise as the demand for qualified nurse’s increases each year. Upon successful completion of a nursing degree and the passing of the NCLEX exams the newly qualified nurse can expect to earn a salary of $71,000 to $74,000 a year. Some larger facilities and areas in great need may offer a sign on bonus that varies by location by averages $2,500 to $5,000. Sign on bonuses are usually offered for staff positions. This means that you sign a contract with the facility to work for a number of years and may work in many different areas of the hospital.

As you can see attending one of the many nursing schools in Ohio can be the perfect place to kick off your career. There are several great schools and programs to choose from, you just need to decide what level of education and nursing job fits you best.