Accredited RN Programs and Schools in Cincinnati Ohio
Several accredited institutions in Cincinnati Ohio offer Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) pathways approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing, a public research institution, provides a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN for non-nursing bachelor's holders, and a part-time RN-to-BSN completion track. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College offers a two-year ADN program designed for direct entry into clinical practice. Both programs include clinical rotations at regional hospital systems such as TriHealth and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. For a detailed list of state-approved programs, see the Ohio Board of Nursing's directory at https://www.nursing.ohio.gov/.
Admission to RN schools in Cincinnati Ohio typically requires a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, a minimum cumulative GPA, and completion of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or equivalent. The University of Cincinnati BSN program, for example, reports competitive admission with holistic review of GPA, TEAS scores, healthcare experience, and letters of recommendation. Cincinnati State's ADN program uses a selective process based on prerequisite GPA and TEAS performance. Both schools publish annual admission statistics and cohort profiles on their official websites. The Ohio Board of Nursing provides a centralized application portal for licensure candidates at https://www.nursing.ohio.gov/.
Tuition Costs, Financial Aid, and Program Duration
For the 2024-2025 academic year, in-state tuition at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing for the BSN program is approximately $11,000 per year, with additional fees and living expenses bringing total estimated costs to roughly $25,000-$30,000 annually. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College charges in-district tuition around $4,500 per year for the ADN program, with total costs including fees and books estimated near $10,000-$12,000 per year. Both institutions participate in federal financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, federal direct loans, and work-study. The University of Cincinnati also offers nursing-specific scholarships through the College of Nursing and partnerships with regional healthcare employers. Prospective students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and consult each school's financial aid office for current award packages and deadlines.
Program duration for an ADN at Cincinnati State is typically four academic semesters (about two years) for full-time students, while the traditional UC BSN spans eight academic semesters (four years). Accelerated BSN options at the University of Cincinnati can be completed in as few as 12 to 15 months for students holding a prior bachelor's degree. Part-time and RN-to-BSN tracks extend completion time accordingly. Clinical hours required by the Ohio Board of Nursing are integrated into both programs, with placements in partner hospitals and community health sites. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides median annual wage data for registered nurses at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm.
NCLEX Pass Rates, Licensure, and Career Outlook for Cincinnati Graduates
Graduates of RN schools in Cincinnati Ohio must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain licensure from the Ohio Board of Nursing. The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing consistently reports first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates above the national average, with recent cohort data showing pass rates in the mid-80 to high-80 percent range. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College also reports first-time pass rates that meet or exceed state and national benchmarks. Candidates can verify pass