Nursing College Options in Columbus Ohio
Columbus Ohio hosts multiple accredited nursing colleges offering ADN, BSN, and graduate pathways through public universities and private schools. The Ohio State University College of Nursing in Columbus is a large public option with BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs, and it is ranked among the top nursing schools nationally by U.S. News & World Report US News Best Nursing Schools. Other options include Columbus State Community College for ADN and practical nursing, and Franklin University for BSN completion and graduate nursing degrees.
Admission requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry, a minimum GPA, and scores from tests such as the TEAS or HESI. Competitive BSN programs may also require healthcare experience, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Columbus State Community College lists open admission for the ADN track with prerequisite completion, while Ohio State uses a holistic review that considers academic metrics, healthcare exposure, and residency preference for Ohio residents Ohio State Nursing Admissions.
Program Length, Costs, and Financial Aid
An ADN at Columbus State Community College takes about two years of full-time study and leads to eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. The BSN at Ohio State typically requires four years for traditional undergraduate entry, while accelerated BSN options exist for students with a prior bachelor's degree and can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Graduate programs such as the MSN and DNP at Ohio State range from two to four years depending on full-time or part-time enrollment and specialization Ohio State Nursing Programs.
Tuition costs vary by institution and residency status. For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, Ohio State lists in-state undergraduate tuition and fees around 11,000 dollars per year, while out-of-state rates are higher. Columbus State Community College charges lower per-credit tuition for Ohio residents, and financial aid options include federal Pell grants, Ohio Grants, scholarships through the nursing college, and employer tuition reimbursement programs Columbus State Tuition.
Career Outcomes and Licensure Path in Columbus Ohio
Graduates from nursing colleges in Columbus Ohio typically take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed registered nurses. Ohio requires passing the NCLEX-RN, completing an approved nursing program, and submitting an application to the Ohio Board of Nursing for licensure by examination. The state also offers alternate pathways such as licensure by endorsement for nurses licensed in other states Ohio Board of Nursing.
Employment demand for registered nurses in the Columbus metropolitan area remains strong, with hospitals, health systems, and outpatient clinics actively hiring. Common employers include Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Mount Carmel Health System. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth in registered nurse employment nationally, and Columbus Ohio is among the larger metros with consistent nursing job openings BLS Registered Nurses.