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Most of the accelerated nursing programs in Ohio will transform your non-nursing background into a nursing career in approximately 15 months!
With qualified nurses being among the top in-demand occupations in Ohio, you won’t go wrong with a properly accredited, robust accelerated nursing program.
If you want a speedier transition into nursing, then you can opt for an accelerated BSN degree. If you prefer an MSN, you can settle for accelerated/direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio.
Here’s a list of the 10 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Ohio
1. Mount Carmel College of Nursing- Second Degree Accelerated Program
Mount Carmel College of Nursing’s accelerated BSN program is offered in two flexible formats to fit your lifestyle.
Duration: 13 months or 18 months
Format: Hybrid (Online & On-campus)
Location: Columbus, Ohio
If you’re seeking a rapid route into nursing, there’s the 13-month full-time program. Alternatively, if you need more balance with other commitments, the 18-month part-time program is available.
Both cover the same comprehensive content as traditional BSN programs, but within a condensed timeframe, allowing you to earn 84 credits more swiftly.
The 13-month ABSN program starts in January and wraps up by February of the following year. On the other hand, the 18-month option kicks off in August.
About Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a Catholic institution, with over a century’s worth of experience in nursing education. Also, the college is affiliated with Mount Carmel Health System, which is a member of the Trinity Health System.
What We Like
- We like that you can choose to attend full-time or part-time, depending on your commitments. It’s one of the few accelerated nursing programs in Ohio, and around the country, that allow part-time attendance.
- Being part of Trinity Health System makes it convenient when looking for clinical sites, and for employment thereafter.
2. Mercy College of Ohio- Accelerated BSN
Mercy College’s accelerated BSN program allows you to secure a graduate in just 4 semesters, beginning in the summer. It’s a full-time intensive program, consisting of 63 credit hours.
Duration: Approx 15 months
Format: Hybrid (Online & On-campus)
Location: Toledo, Ohio
About Mercy College of Ohio
Mercy College of Ohio is a Catholic institution with over a century of educating nurses. It’s dedicated to educating and inspiring students to lead and serve in the global community, following Christian principles.
It’s part of the Bon Secours Mercy Health System, a reputable healthcare network.
What We Like
- With 48 hospitals in the Bon Secours Mercy Health system, you have access to great clinical training and employment opportunities.
3. Kettering College- Accelerated BSN
Kettering College’s Accelerated BSN is a 15-month program with 69 credits. It’s designed for non-nurses with a bachelor’s degree.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Hybrid (Online & On-campus)
Location: Kettering, Ohio
Clinical Experiences
You’ll start your clinical experiences right from the first nursing course. These sessions are held within Kettering Health’s hospitals and a variety of top-notch healthcare facilities within the Dayton community.
About Kettering College
Kettering College is a Seventh-day Adventist Church institution that emphasizes Christian principles in its nursing programs.
The college is associated with Kettering Health, a healthcare network that includes 13 medical centers in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas and more than 100 outpatient facilities.
On average, first-time test takers have a 90% pass rate on the NCLEX.
What We Like
- Because of the college’s association with Kettering Health, more than half of nursing graduates get employed there!
4. Kent State University- Accelerated Second Degree BSN
The ABSN program at Kent State University runs for an intensive period of 15 months, spanning over four to five semesters. With a robust curriculum of 59 credit hours, the program prepares you thoroughly for the nursing profession.
Duration: 15 months
Format: Hybrid (Online & On-campus)
Location: Kent, Ohio
Tailored Cohort Options
What’s especially appealing about the ABSN program at Kent State are the three distinct cohort options designed to suit your lifestyle:
Daytime Cohort:
This is a four-semester program that admits students in the fall, spring, and summer.
Clinical rotations can take place in facilities in Northeastern Ohio, with a focus on Summit (Akron) and Cuyahoga (Cleveland) counties.
Additionally, you may have clinical placements in Mahoning (Youngstown), Stark (Alliance), Trumbull (Warren), or Portage (Ravenna) counties.
Akron Cohort: Evening & Weekend:
Also known as the Akron Cohort, this five-semester program accepts applicants every other fall (even years only).
As part of this sequence, your clinical rotations will likely take place at Summa Health Systems and Cleveland Clinic Akron General located in Akron.
Cleveland Cohort: Evening & Weekend:
The Cleveland Cohort also runs over five semesters, offering admission every other fall on an odd-year basis only.
Clinical rotations for this cohort are situated in the Cleveland area, giving you an opportunity to gain experience in partnership with University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic.
About Kent State College of Nursing
Kent State University College of Nursing was established in 196. It has a long 50 years+ tradition of nursing education in Northeast Ohio and boasts over 12,000 graduates.
It collaborates with more than 700 facilities like hospitals, clinics, schools, community groups, and health organizations. The average pass rate for the NCLEX exam is over 90%.
What We Like
- We like that the program is flexible enough for you to choose a suitable cohort between the day and the evening/weekend options.
5. Cleveland State University- Accelerated BSN
Cleveland State University offers a full-time Accelerated BSN program that you can complete in just over a year. Starting in January and ending in May of the following year, you’ll undertake a thorough 69-credit-hour curriculum spread over four consecutive semesters.
Duration: Approx 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
The program admits only 80 students per year.
Clinical Experiences
Partnerships with University Hospitals, MetroHealth, and the Cleveland Clinic provide you with the opportunity for invaluable hands-on clinical placements.
These experiences help you understand the practical aspects of nursing, in preparation for your future career.
How will your application stand out?
While not a mandatory requirement, having prior healthcare-related experience can give you an edge when applying for this program.
Consider volunteering at a health facility or working in a healthcare job, as this experience will demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are passionate and committed to nursing.
About Cleveland State College of Nursing
Cleveland State University is a public research institution established in 1964. Its school of nursing was founded in 1973.
The CSU school of nursing is dedicated to advancing research in various fields such as managing chronic pain and the efficient use of technology in nurse education.
The school also encourages students to take part in service learning to address healthcare needs in low-income areas. The school consistently achieves over a 90% pass rate for first-time NCLEX test takers.
6. University of Mount Union- Accelerated BSN
The University of Mount Union Accelerated BSN program is designed to be completed in just 15 months. This program encompasses 64 credit hours, balancing speed with thoroughness to give you a comprehensive nursing education.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Alliance, Ohio
Clinical Experience
One of the significant advantages of the Mount Union ABSN program is their strong affiliations with a multitude of clinical sites.
These established partnerships make it easy for you to secure placements for the hands-on, real-world experience so vital to your nursing education.
About Mount Union
The University of Mount Union was established in 1846. It is a private institution that had ties to the Methodist church until 2019.
The university’s mission is to prepare students for fulfilling lives, meaningful work, and responsible citizenship.
Its ABSN program regularly attains a 100% pass rate for first-time NCLEX test takers!
7. Ashland University- Accelerated BSN
The Accelerated BSN program at Ashland University can be completed in just 15 months, spanning over four semesters.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Mansfield, Ohio
Despite the accelerated timeline, you’ll still complete 64 credit hours — equivalent to Ashland’s regular BSN program — ensuring you receive a comprehensive education.
Clinical Experiences
One of the defining strengths of the Ashland University nursing program is its expansive network of clinical affiliations. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences boasts agreements with more than 60 clinical agencies.
These include acute care facilities, community agencies, and long-term care agencies, providing you with a diverse range of clinical rotation experiences within Ohio.
About Ashland University
Ashland University is a private Christian school, established in 1878 and affiliated with The Brethren Church.
Its College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a pass rate above 90% for the NCLEX exam. The Ashland Accelerated BSN program has recorded a 100% pass rate severally.
8. Baldwin Wallace University- Accelerated BSN
Baldwin Wallace’s Accelerated BSN program is designed to deliver a robust nursing education in just 15 months. You’ll complete 63 credit hours over four semesters, including summer.
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Berea, Ohio
New student cohorts are welcomed each August.
Clinical Experience
You’ll begin your clinicals starting from your very first semester. Throughout the program, you’ll complete approximately 700 hours of clinical practice.
A major part of your clinical rotation will be completed at the Southwest General Health Center. Here, you’ll work with patients in different settings, exposing you to diverse patient care scenarios.
About Baldwin Wallace University
Baldwin Wallace University is a private non-profit university founded in 1845. Their nursing graduates often find jobs in various areas like surgical care, trauma, burns, newborn and child care in healthcare centers across Northeast Ohio.
The Balwin Wallance Accelerated BSN program has an average first-time pass rate of 95% for the NCLEX-RN exam.
9. Capital University- Accelerated BSN
Capital University’s Accelerated BSN program takes you on a 20-month journey spread over five consecutive semesters.
Whether you prefer the interaction of traditional daytime classes or the convenience of flexible hybrid learning, both program tracks start in the fall.
Duration: 20 months
Format: On-campus or Hybrid
Location: Columbus, Ohio
The Capital Accelerated BSN Daytime Track can accommodate 25 to 50 students per cohort each year. The Accelerated BSN Flexible Hybrid Track accepts up to 32 students.
Clinical Experience
Your practical learning starts from the first semester, with clinical experiences at sites across the Columbus region. This includes all major hospitals in the area, such as the Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s, Mt Carmel St. Ann’s, OhioHealth, and more.
The best part? If you are on the hybrid track, you can even express your preference for clinical days at the start of the program- to further align with your schedule.
About Capital University
Capital University is a private institution, founded in 1830. It has ties to the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Its nursing program aims to train nurses to become leaders, dedicated to improving health and wellness in diverse communities.
What We Don’t Like
- 20 months is a little too long if you’re looking for a quicker transition into nursing.
10. The University of Akron- Accelerated BSN
The University of Akron’s Accelerated BSN program takes four semesters to complete. It kick-starts in May and winds up by the following August. You could be holding your BSN degree in just 15 months!
Duration: 15 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Akron, Ohio
Clinical Experience
The program has affiliations with over 80 clinical agencies spread across the Akron Metropolitan Area and includes surrounding counties such as Summit, Stark, Wayne, Medina, Portage, Cuyahoga, and Mahoning.
This wide-ranging clinical exposure equips you with valuable practical skills and experiences, preparing you to step confidently into the nursing field upon graduation.
About University of Akron’s School of Nursing
The University of Akron is a public research university in Ohio. Its School of Nursing was established in 1967.
The school promotes research that benefits society’s health. It aims to serve a diverse range of communities and strive for excellence in nursing education, research, practice, and service through partnerships with academic institutions and the community.
Related: Pros and Cons of Accelerated Nursing Programs
Here’s a list of the 5 Best Accelerated/Direct Entry MSN Programs in Ohio
1. University of Cincinnati- Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN
The University of Cincinnati Accelerated Direct-Entry MSN program spans five semesters, and offers admission in both spring and summer semesters, granting you the flexibility to start when it suits you best.
Duration: Approx 20 months
Format: On-campus
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Clinical Experience
The program includes clinical experiences at top-notch healthcare centers in the vicinity.
You can expect to do hands-on training at a Level I trauma center and a high-risk obstetric unit at the UC Medical Center, as well as one of the best pediatric hospitals at Cincinnati Children’s.
Future-Focused Curriculum
As part of the program, you’ll complete four core courses, which count as credit for any Post-Masters Certificate or Post-MSN DNP program should you wish to further your studies to become a Nurse Practitioner.
About University of Cincinnati College of Nursing
The UC College of Nursing began in 1889 as a training school for nurses. In 1993, they started the accelerated direct entry MSN Program for people with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
The school’s aim is to create nurse leaders who can use their nursing knowledge to adapt and excel in changing healthcare environments.
2. University of Toledo- Graduate Entry MSN
University of Toledo’s Graduate-Entry MSN program is a 66-credit-hour program that incorporates 540 clinical clock hours and 150 lab clock hours to provide you with a well-rounded entry-to-nursing education.
Duration: 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time)
Format: On-campus
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Full-time students can expect to complete the program in 2 years, while part-time students typically finish in 4 years. Admissions take place in the fall.
Clinical Experience
UToledo collaborates with leading clinical sites in the region, including The University of Toledo Medical Center and ProMedica Healthcare. You’ll do your clinicals here and possibly build networks leading to your employment post-graduation.
About UToledo College of Nursing
The UToledo College of Nursing has been teaching nursing for over 50 years. It’s ranked as a top 30% nursing school in the country according to U.S. News & World Report.
The school’s goal is to provide education programs that can adjust to the changing needs of students and the healthcare field.
What We Like
- We like the flexibility of the part-time option, which requires your on-campus attendance for just two days per week. This makes it an excellent choice if you’re juggling work or family commitments alongside your ambition to advance your nursing career.
3. The Ohio State University- Graduate Entry MSN
The Ohio State University’s Graduate Entry MSN Program requires approximately 3 years of full-time study.
Duration: 3 years
Format: Hybrid
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Specializations
The Ohio State Graduate Entry MSN program offers a robust selection of specializations, allowing you to tailor your studies to match your career aspirations. You can opt for:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse-Midwifery
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
While you’re expected to live in the Columbus, Ohio area throughout the program, those pursuing the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner specialty can reside outside the area after completing the pre-licensure portion.
This is because the master’s courses for this specialization are fully online.
Clinical Experience
You will have clinical experiences at Ohio State University Medical Center’s teaching hospitals and community-based preceptors throughout Ohio- to gain practical nursing experience.
About The Ohio State College of Nursing
The Ohio State University College of Nursing was established in 1914, and is one of the best nursing schools in the state. The school consistently sees over 95% of its students pass the NCLEX and advanced nursing certification exams on their first attempt.
What We Like
- We like that you can become RN-licensed and achieve APRN certification in one continuous program, eliminating the need to pursue a post-master’s certificate. It’s a streamlined, efficient approach to your nursing education.
4. Lourdes University- Direct Entry MSN
Lourdes University’s Direct Entry MSN program is an intensive 66-credit program designed to transition you into an RN in just 20 months.
Duration: 20 months
Format: Hybrid
Location: Sylvania, Ohio
Lourdes University’s Direct Entry MSN program adopts a blended learning approach. Most of the coursework is conducted on campus, with a few online classes.
Your clinical training will be conducted in a range of healthcare settings in the Sylvania, Ohio region.
About Lourdes University
Lourdes University is a Catholic and Franciscan institution founded in 1958 by the Sisters of St. Francis.
The goal of Lourdes College of Nursing is to provide personalized education that includes high-quality nursing skills, critical thinking, leadership abilities, appreciation for diversity, and Christian ethical values.
5. Mount St. Joseph University- Master’s Graduate Entry-Level into Nursing
Mount St. Joseph University’s Master’s Graduate Entry-Level into Nursing program takes only four consecutive semesters to complete.
Duration: Approx 15 months
Format: Hybrid
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
The program offers multiple start dates throughout the year- in January, May, or August. This flexibility allows you to choose a timeframe that aligns with your personal schedule and commitments.
This accelerated nursing program prepares you to step into the nursing profession not as a specialist, but as a generalist. So, if you’re planning to pursue an APRN role, you’ll need to consider a post-master’s certificate or DNP after graduating.
About Mount St. Joseph University
Mount St. Joseph University is a private Catholic university started in 1920 by the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. Even though it’s rooted in the Sisters of Charity’s spiritual values, it welcomes students of all religions and those without a specific faith.
The university’s nursing department has over 85% of its students passing the NCLEX-RN exam on their first try.
Entrance Requirements for Accelerated Nursing Programs in Ohio
These are the typical admission requirements. For specifics, visit the program’s page.
- Bachelor’s Degree: A non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is generally required.
- Prerequisite Courses: You’ll typically need to complete prerequisite courses, often including Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Statistics, and others.
- Minimum GPA: Most accelerated nursing programs in Ohio will require at least a 3.0 GPA requirement. However, Baldwin Wallace University requires a minimum GPA of 2.8, and the University of Akron requires a GPA of 2.75.
- Entrance Exam: Some programs require a standardized entrance exam, such as the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). However, Baldwin Wallace University does not require a standardized test for its accelerated nursing program.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation may be required by some programs, but Kent State’s ABSN program does not require them.
- Nursing Personal Statement or Essay: Many programs require a personal statement or essay outlining your interest in nursing, your career goals, and your qualifications.
- Interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the admissions process.
- Clinical Experience: Some programs prefer applicants to have some healthcare or clinical experience, although this is not always required.
- Background Check: Due to the nature of the work involved in nursing, a background check is typically required.
- Health Requirements: Up-to-date immunization records, a physical examination, and proof of health insurance may be necessary.
Wrapping Up on Accelerated Nursing Programs in Ohio
Registered Nurses are the number one most in-demand job occupation in the state of Ohio.
This demand has been mostly driven by the increased healthcare needs of an aging population. And with older nurses nearing retirement, it does not improve the nursing shortage situation.
Fortunately, accelerated nursing programs in Ohio can help transition you from a different background to the nursing profession- to meet this dire demand.
And with Ohio RNs earning an annual mean salary of $78,450, a nursing career can be as financially rewarding as it is fulfilling.
Disclaimer:
- Information on these programs may change without notice. So, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and accuracy. You’d have to check with the school and do further research. Our review list is simply for guidance and cannot be relied upon exclusively without research on your part.
- Before enrollment, check with your state regarding licensing rules or whether your desired program meets your home state’s certification requirements and licensure.
- If you are an administrator/staff for one of the schools listed in this article, and you would like to issue corrections or updates on your program’s information, please contact us here.
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