Nursing School Cincinnati Overview and Program Types
Cincinnati hosts multiple accredited nursing schools offering ADN, BSN, and accelerated BSN pathways. The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, a public institution, reported a BSN program acceptance rate near 30% for recent cycles and a four-year graduation rate above 60%. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers an ADN program with a focus on clinical placements in local hospitals. University of Cincinnati remains a top public research university in the region.
Admission requirements typically include a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 to 3.0, prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and TEAS or HESI exam scores. Many programs require a background check, current CPR certification, and completion of a health sciences orientation. The Ohio Board of Nursing sets statewide licensing standards and approves curricula for ADN and BSN programs.
Costs, Financial Aid, and Clinical Training
In-state tuition for the University of Cincinnati BSN program is approximately $12,000 per year, while out-of-state rates exceed $30,000 annually. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College charges lower per-credit rates, with total program costs for the ADN often under $15,000 for Ohio residents. Students can use federal Pell Grants, Ohio Grants, and institutional scholarships to offset expenses.
Clinical rotations occur at partner health systems including TriHealth, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, and University of Cincinnati Medical Center. These placements provide hands-on experience in medical-surgical, pediatric, and critical care units. TriHealth operates several major hospitals in the Cincinnati area and employs many graduates.
Licensing, Employment Outlook, and Salary Data
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to obtain a nursing license in Ohio. The Ohio Board of Nursing reports first-time NCLEX pass rates for BSN graduates typically above 85%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects registered nurse employment growth of about 6% nationally from 2022 to 2032, with Ohio hospitals actively recruiting new graduates.
Entry-level RN salaries in Cincinnati range from $60,000 to $75,000 annually, with experienced nurses earning over $90,000. Major employers include Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, TriHealth, and Mercy Health. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides regional wage data and employment projections for registered nurses.