17 Best Accelerated Nursing Programs in Ohio

Accelerated nursing programs in Ohio offer an expedited route for aspiring nurses with a non-nursing background to obtain their degrees and enter the nursing profession within the state of Ohio.

Welcome to the realm of accelerated nursing programs in Ohio. Here, individuals passionate about healthcare can quickly pave their way to a fulfilling nursing career. These programs are designed for motivated individuals without a nursing background, eager to transition into the nursing profession within Ohio’s dynamic environment.

Whether you aim to work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities, these programs offer a unique opportunity to establish a meaningful career and make a positive difference in the lives of the residents of the Buckeye State.

Takeaway 

Just as the expressway offers a direct and efficient route to various destinations, accelerated nursing programs in Ohio provide a streamlined path for ambitious individuals from diverse backgrounds to swiftly reach their goal of becoming qualified nurses. 

12 Best Accelerated BSN Programs in Ohio

Ohio presents a variety of exceptional Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs. These are specifically curated to offer a swift and effective pathway toward becoming a registered nurse. Renowned for their experienced faculty, comprehensive hands-on clinical training, and high NCLEX-RN pass rates, these accelerated BSN programs in Ohio stand out as top choices. Let’s explore them together!

1. Ashland University, Mansfield

• Format: In-person classes and a selection of online courses
• Duration: 15 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 100%
• Admission requirements:
  •    A bachelor’s degree in another field with a strong science background 
  •    A minimum 2.7 cumulative grade point average in coursework
  •    A minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average in science prerequisite
  • Completion of the prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of “C”
  • Completion of the science prerequisite coursework within the past ten years
• Tuition cost: $8,400 to $33,600 for the entire program
• The tech fee: $260 per term; $1,040 for the four-term program
• Course fees: approximately $900 per term or $3,600 for the entire program

2. Cleveland State University, Cleveland

• Format: Full-time student status 
• Duration: 17 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 90%
• Admission requirements:
  • Successfully finish all prerequisite coursework with a grade of “C” or above
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Possess a baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
  • The School of Nursing application package includes the SON application, application fee, transcripts, two recommendation letters, and a resume
• Tuition cost: No fixed number; calculated based on enrollment status, residency, and course selections

3. Kent State University, Kent

• Format: Hybrid  
• Duration: 15 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 90%
• Admission requirements:  
• Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above
• Achieving a minimum science prerequisite GPA of 2.75, with at least a “C” grade in each course/equivalent: Anatomy & Physiology I, Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology, and Chemistry
• Completing a college-level algebra course (or higher) with a minimum grade of “C” (Note: This requirement will no longer be necessary starting Fall 2023.)
• Tuition cost:
  • Ohio residents: $5,881.70
  • Non-Ohio residenst: $10,617.20

4. Ursuline College, Pepper Pike

• Format: In-person
• Duration: Full-time (15-month daytime format) or part-time (24-month evening/weekend format)
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: Surpasses national and Ohio averages
• Admission requirements:
  • Hold a minimum GPA of 2.5 
  • Complete all science prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher
• Tuition cost: $550 per credit (new students are required to pay a one-time Matriculation Fee of $100 upon enrollment)

5. The University of Akron, Akron

• Format: In-person 
• Duration: 15 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 100%
• Admission requirements:
  • Baccalaureate degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.75
  • Complete the accelerated BSN program application form
  • Send a resume
  • Write a 500-word personal statement addressing how you can contribute to the field of nursing
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Copies of your transcripts
  • Background check
• Tuition cost: Varies based on the number of credits taken per semester

6. Walsh University, North Canton

• Format: Online and in-person
• Duration: Two years
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 85% 
• Admission requirements:
  • Applicants must be 21 or older (students under 21 may inquire about the appeal process)
  • Transfer a minimum of 12 credit hours from a regionally accredited school (additional information is available upon inquiry for students transferring fewer credits)
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • Attain a GPA of 2.75 or higher in the specified prerequisite coursework
  • Tuition cost: $510 per credit hour 

7. Baldwin Wallace University, Berea

• Format: Full-time; in-person
• Duration: 15 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 95%
• Admission requirements:
  • A cumulative GPA of 2.8 (4.0 scale) 
  • A prerequisite GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Life/work experience
• Tuition cost: $40,000

8. Capital University, Columbus

• Format: Traditional track (ABSN) and Nursing Accelerated Program – Hybrid track (ABSN-H)
• Duration: 20 to 24 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 82.67%
• Admission requirements:
  • A baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 and an average GPA of 2.75 in microbiology, human anatomy, human physiology, and organic/biochemistry (applicants who don’t meet the GPA criteria will be evaluated case-by-case) 
  • Prerequisite courses can be completed at any U.S.-accredited college or university
  • All prerequisites must be finished by the end of the semester before attending Capital University
  • Life Span Development requirements can be fulfilled with one comprehensive course or a compilation of courses covering human development from conception to death
• Tuition cost:
  • Full-time (12-19 hours): $41,298 per year
  • Part-time (under 12 hours): $1,377 per credit hour
  • Overload tuition (over 19 hours): $1,377 per credit hour

9. Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus

• Format:
  • SDAP-13 is a 13-month program that compresses the traditional BSN curriculum (offered blended and fully online). 
  • SDAP-18 is a more flexible 18-month accelerated BSN program catering to busy adults (offered blended and fully online).
• Duration: 13 to 18 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 92.31%
• Admission requirements:
  • Have a baccalaureate or higher degree
  • Apply to the program before completing the prerequisite courses, but all prerequisites must be finished before the program starts
  • A cumulative recommended GPA of 3.0
  • For degrees earned outside the United States, applicants must contact the World Education Services for transcript evaluation and submission to MCCN
  • Non-native English speakers with degrees from non-U.S. institutions must achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (new internet-based)
• Tuition cost:
  • Application Fee – $30.00
  • SDAP Non-Clinical Courses Per Credit Hour – $355.00
  • SDAP Clinical Courses Per Credit Hour – $750.00
  • Technology Fee Per Semester – $200.00
  • ATI Fee Per Semester – $780.00
  • SDAP Student Activity Fee Per Semester – $25.00
  • Student Wellness Fee Per Semester – $35.00
  • Lab Fee NURS 295 – $255.00
  • Graduation Fee – $210.00

10. The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Cincinnati

• Format: Full-time
• Duration: 16 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 87% 
• Admission requirements:
  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field from a CHEA-recognized accrediting body
  • Cumulative college GPA of 2.75 or higher
  • Submit college transcripts from all institutions
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Tuition cost: $575 per credit hour 

11. Wright State University, Dayton

• Format: On-campus
• Duration: 20 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination: 97%
• Admission requirements:
  • Get accepted as a degree-seeking student at Wright State University
  • Complete the prerequisite courses by the specified application deadline with a minimum grade of “C” or higher, maintaining a prerequisite GPA of at least 2.75
  • Obtain a minimum composite score of 80% on the English, Science, and Math modules of the HESI A2 entrance exam
  • Maintain a cumulative of at least 2.75 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
  • For a background check, provide evidence of a clean criminal history record, verified through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Tuition cost: $6,107 per semester

12. Muskingum University, New Concord

• Format: Online and in-person
• Duration: 15 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 100%
• Admission requirements:
  • Hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Complete prerequisite coursework
  • Tuition cost: $550 per credit

Best Accelerated MSN Programs in Ohio

Ohio offers an array of top-notch Accelerated Master of Science in Nursing (AMSN) programs designed to provide a fast-track pathway for aspiring nurses seeking to advance their careers. Ohio’s best accelerated MSN programs stand out for their excellence in nursing education, robust curriculum, and specialized tracks to meet various preferences.

1. Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland

• Format: Flexible distance learning format, either full-time or part-time
• Duration: Two years; 40 semester hours, 600 clinical hours
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 98%
• Admission requirements:
  • Three professional recommendations
  • Essay
  • Resume or CV
  • Complete at least two prerequisite science courses before admission review (Anatomy & Physiology 1 with lab, Anatomy & Physiology 2, Microbiology with lab, or Chemistry)
• Tuition cost: $77,916 per academic year

2. Xavier University, Cincinnati

• Format: Full-time, in-person
• Duration: 20 months
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 94.44%
• Admission requirements:
  • A bachelor’s degree 
  • Prerequisite courses 
  • Official transcripts for all college and university coursework
  • Three recommendations
  • An essay
  • A resume
• Cost:
  • Tuition – $687
  • Liability Insurance (per semester with practicum) – $18
  • Graduate student association fee, degree-seeking full-time – $15 (per semester)
  • Graduate student association fee, degree-seeking part-time – $10 (per semester)

3. University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati

• Format: Part-time or full-time (in-person)
• Duration: Five semesters
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 85%
• Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree (in a field other than nursing), with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 4.0 scale 
  • Prerequisite courses with a grade of B-minus or above
  • A resume
  • Goal statement
  • Interview
• Tuition cost:
  • Part-time (9 credits or fewer) – $836 per credit
  • Full-time (10 credits or more) – $8,359 per semester

4. Chamberlain University, Cleveland

• Format: Online while maintaining weekly interaction with faculty in each course
• Duration: 2 years
• The National Council Licensure Examination Pass Rate: 90.71% 
• Admission requirements:
  • A bachelor’s or higher nursing degree from an accredited university
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A valid, active, and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or a jurisdiction associated with the NCSBN as an associate member.
• Tuition cost: $82,350 

5. Franklin University, Columbus

• Format: Online
• Duration: 18 months
• Admission requirements:
  • Bachelor’s or associate degree
  • GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale
  • Resume
  • Background check
• Tuition cost: $670/credit hour

What To Consider When Looking for an Accelerated Nursing Program

When searching for an accelerated nursing program, several essential factors should be carefully considered. Here are some you should go through. 

Accreditation

Accreditation is crucial when considering an accelerated nursing program. Ensure the program is accredited by recognized nursing bodies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accredited programs meet stringent quality standards and provide a reliable and reputable education, essential for future career opportunities.

Admission requirements

Thoroughly review the admission prerequisites and requirements of the program. Check necessary educational background, GPA, and specific coursework criteria. Understanding the admission process helps you prepare and increases your chances of securing a spot.

Cost

Consider the program’s total cost, including tuition fees, textbooks, clinical expenses, and additional fees. Compare the prices with other accelerated nursing programs and evaluate available financial aid options, scholarships, or grants to make an informed decision that aligns with your financial situation.

Program format

Examine the program’s format to determine if it suits your learning preferences and lifestyle. Some accelerated nursing programs offer online or hybrid formats, allowing flexibility for working professionals or those with other commitments. Consider the program’s structure, schedule, and class delivery methods to ensure it fits your needs.

Faculty

Investigate the qualifications and expertise of the faculty members. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors contribute significantly to the quality of education. Look for faculty members with practical nursing experience and a passion for teaching, as they can enhance the learning experience and provide valuable insights.

Program length

The duration of accelerated nursing programs can range from 12 to 24 months. Before you make a choice, it’s crucial to evaluate the length of these fast-paced programs to determine whether the rigorous coursework and extensive clinical obligations are something you can work with. 

Curriculum and clinical hours

Review the curriculum to ensure it covers all essential nursing topics and prepares you for the NCLEX-RN exam. Additionally, inquire about the amount and variety of clinical hours provided. A comprehensive clinical experience is vital for gaining hands-on experience and preparing for real-world nursing practice.

Graduation rate

Research the program’s graduation rate to assess its effectiveness and student success. A high graduation rate indicates that the program supports and prepares students adequately, increasing the likelihood of a successful nursing career.

NCLEX-RN pass rates

The NCLEX-RN pass rates reflect the program’s ability to prepare students for the licensure exam. A consistently high pass rate indicates a well-structured and effective program that equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in nursing.

The Bottom Line

For those who have their hearts set on nursing and wish to turn their ambition into action swiftly, Ohio’s accelerated nursing programs are the perfect launchpad. These dynamic programs seamlessly blend prior educational experiences with intensive, tailored learning. In doing so, they offer more than just a quick entrance into the nursing profession; they equip students with a robust foundation of knowledge and skills essential for thriving in a nursing career. 

In a world that never stops moving, seize this opportunity to keep pace, make a difference, and ignite your future in nursing.