16 Accelerated Nursing Programs in Ohio (BSN & MSN) – 2025
Written By: Editorial Staff @ NursingProcess.org
It’s not too late to be an RN in Ohio even if you didn’t study nursing in college. With one of the Accelerated Nursing programs in Ohio, you can complete your BSN in less than two years. Most of these programs are offered online, which makes them easy to fit around job and family responsibilities. Employment opportunities for BSN-prepared RNs in the Buckeye State are expected to expand by 7 percent in the next decade. BSN-prepared RNs in Ohio make good money, too, averaging $78,450 a year. Get started on your new career path by reading these reviews of the best Accelerated Nursing programs in Ohio for 2025.
RECOMMENDED ONLINE NURSING SCHOOLS
Following is the List of 11 Accelerated BSN Programs in Ohio for 2025
The Dwight Schar College of Nursing & Health Sciences at Ashland post its merger with the Health Science department in 2012 is focused towards providing interdisciplinary nursing education. The school has taken up many student-centric initiatives, it's Living Learning Community is one such initiative where students from the freshman year live together with students from other health sciences programs, promoting enhanced learning, better connections and deeper understanding of the dynamics of patient care. Besides, its advanced nursing experience equipment, including simulation labs and multimedia classrooms take students closer to complex patient scenarios in a non-threatening environment.
If you aspire to have a flourishing career in nursing when you have already completed your bachelors in some other area of study, then Ashland’s Accelerated second-degree Nursing program in Ohio provides students with all that they need to become a professional nurse. This is a 15-month program divided into four successive semesters. Emphasis is laid on theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and international perspectives in healthcare. You can begin this program either in the Fall or Summer semester.
The Nursing Department at Baldwin Wallace stays congruent to the university’s mission of committing to excellence in education and promoting lifelong learning. Its small sized classes allow for personalized attention and create an environment that enhances the holistic development of each student.
Baldwin enables its students to have an enriching career in nursing through its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in as little as 15 months. Classes begin in August and run for four consecutive semesters include the summer session. Taking advantage of a perfect combination of classroom learning and clinical rotations which begin as early as the first semester, students master leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills that are necessary to provide patient care in different health care settings. You will also be well prepared to take the NCLEX-RN examination with past graduates performing very well on the exam and recording excellent pass rates. Graduates of this program have successfully found employment in leading health organizations in the region such as Southwest General Health Center, Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth Medical Center and Akron General Medical Center.
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Capital University’s Department of Nursing trains nurses to be employment ready in a manner of going beyond world languages and cultures. Its graduates turn out to be global in their perspective and often this leads them to take up significant positions in the field of nursing. The department being aggressive in its approach towards research has helped it earn huge grants, giving a huge scope of scholarly activity to its faculty and students. But there is more to Capital’s way of life, apart from the rigors of the nursing coursework, students are thrown open to a vibrant campus life, bustling with events and activities where they learn valuable life skills and shine as a complete individual.
Capital University offers two options for second-degree seekers interested in pursuing an Accelerated BSN Program. The daytime track can be completed in 20 months in 5 back to back semesters, and the hybrid track is a 24 months long program that can be completed in 6 semesters. Due to high demand for this program students are required to have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all previous college coursework and must have at least a B+ in microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. Capital’s partnerships with leading health care systems in the Columbus area provide students with opportunities to practice and hone their skills prior to entering the field of nursing.
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Cleveland State University School of Nursing started offering engaging nursing programs in 1973. Nursing students, apart from enjoying some of the best campus facilities in terms of modern classroom and simulation labs, are exposed to exceptional clinical experiences. The Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, University Hospitals are some of its top-rated clinical partners. Furthermore, an annual trip to Dominican Republic adds to the real-world experience as nursing students get an opportunity to manage the healthcare needs of patients, coming from a different culture and background. Its over 90% first time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN sums it all, speaking of the quality of education it offers.
The full-time ABSN Program in Ohio offered at Cleveland State University is divided into four consecutive semesters that begins in the month of January and ends in the month of May, the following year. This program gives credit for courses from your previous bachelor’s degree and you will complete the same number of credits as a regular BSN at a faster pace. The program requires students to complete prerequisite coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, ethics, statistics, etc. (with a minimum of C grade in these subjects). You are also required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in your previous bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
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Kent State University School of Nursing, established in 1966, offers the unique close-knit environment advantage of a small school as well as the resources of a large institution. It takes pride in the fact that more than 40% of the nurses working in Northeast Ohio are its college graduates. Apart from the advanced simulation lab where students hone their skills, its Center for Nursing Research offers opportunities to conduct breakthrough research working closely with an expert faculty. Its mention worthy that its research in orthopedics has won international recognition.
The ABSN Program at Kent State University helps students from a non-nursing background make a quick entry into the field of nursing. Students are trained to make a vital contribution to our healthcare system by providing quality patient care. The curriculum includes extensive clinical training at leading healthcare organizations in the region. Graduates of this program consistently score over 90% pass rate on NCLEX-RN and have successfully found placements at major hospitals and health care centers across the state of Ohio. Kent State offers 3 options to pursue this program:
Daytime Cohort: This program starting in Fall, Spring and Summer runs for four consecutive semesters. Classes and clinicals are scheduled on weekdays with occasionally clinical sessions scheduled on weekends.
Summa Cohort: This five-semester program starts once every two even numbered years in the fall, and classes are scheduled on Monday and Wednesday during the evenings at the Kent campus. You will undergo clinical training at the Summa healthcare system in Akron, Ohio.
Cleveland Cohort: This five-semester program starts once every two odd numbered years during the fall. You need to attend classes once a week on Fridays at the Cleveland campus. You will also have to attend classes at the Kent campus on either a Saturday or a Sunday.
Mount Caramel College of Nursing is a private Catholic institution established in 1903. Its diverse student body, policy of inclusion and mutual respect is consistent with its goal of creating a culture sensitive workforce of nurses that are trained to provide holistic healthcare. For those who look forward to experiencing dorm life, its campus offers beautiful apartments equipped with modern amenities. Furthermore, its many student groups and activities make learning outside the class exciting and help develop vital professional skills of leadership, communication and collaboration.
The Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) at Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers the same coursework and outcome as its traditional BSN program, with the only difference being this is a fast-track program that can be completed in as little as 13 months. Students receive credit for their previous college degree and must complete the required pre-requisites. Classes begin in January every year and by February the following year students graduate and are well prepared to take the NCLEX-RN. This is a full-time intensive program, where you will have to attend classes for 40 hours every week with occasionally labs and clinical learning being scheduled on evenings or weekends.
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The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences has a rich history of 115 years in meeting the changing needs of health care. Today, it has grown to be a force to reckon with in nursing education. Staying true to its core values of care, collaboration, integrity and excellence, students are prepared to improve health outcomes and promote the well-being of community. This is mainly due to its nursing education grounded in Arts and Sciences. What’s more the school guarantees clinical placement for each of its students, indicating its commitment towards the professional path of students.
The ABSN Program at Christ college of Nursing and Health Services is a 16-month rigorous, in-depth course requiring a lot of devotion from students to ensure smooth completion. This program is a perfect blend of high intensity classroom learning combined with rigorous real-world clinical experience. Selection to this program is very selective and you must have a 4-year degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and before entering the clinical nursing phase you must complete all the required pre-requisite courses.
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The University of Akron School of Nursing was established in 1967 and since then been offering nursing education to advance the cause of quality healthcare. Students are nurtured by a faculty that has a rich research and clinical experience. The school actively participates in several events and organizations that the university has to offer, staying committed to achieving personal as well as academic goals of its students. Understanding the vital role, a nurse plays in today’s healthcare sector, its nursing programs ensure graduates are ready to take on the challenges of this career by aptly preparing them with the required professional knowledge and skills.
The 15-month long ABSN Program at The University of Akron begins during the summer semester and continues for 4 consecutive semesters ending in August the following year. Admission requirements include an up to date resume, accredited bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and two letters of recommendation. The program provides ample clinical learning opportunities for students through its partnership with more than 80 clinical sites in Akron and the surrounding areas of Wayne, Medina, Portage and Mahoning.
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Ursuline College is a top-ranking nursing school in the state of Ohio. One of the oldest higher education organizations for women in the nation, it is the first Catholic college for women in the state. It provides a warm and inspiring environment where students cherish their time on its lush green campus. Ursuline’s teaching strategies and policies empower students and encourage them to stretch boundaries and achieve their maximum potential. This is achieved under the able mentorship of its faculty who are themselves role models for women’s leadership.
The Second Degree Accelerated Program (SDAP) at Ursuline university is a dynamic 15-month program that provides a great opportunity for bachelor’s degree holders in non-nursing fields to qualify for a thriving career in the field of nursing. Admissions take place on a rolling basis for classes starting in January, May and August. After completion of this program you will be ready to face the challenges of patient care and will be able to adapt to the most challenging surroundings.
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Byers School of Nursing at Walsh University trains students to pursue professional nursing that is well backed by Judeo-Christian values and an array of real-world experiences. It works towards the wholesome development of the mind body and soul, inculcating values of service and compassion along with professional competence. Its faculty is known to be friendly and approachable. The nursing college supports academic growth of students by putting forward several initiatives such as the Academic Support Center where past students mentor the current lot. Additionally, participation in its different clubs and organizations is greatly promoted, helping students gain leadership skills and confidence.
The ABSN Program at Walsh University is a 15-month program that offers benefits like discounted tuition, and low student to faculty ratio which helps in creating one-on-one interactions between students and their teachers. Classes begin the month of May and admission requirements include bachelor’s degree with 2.75 GPA, minimum GPA of 2.75 on all prerequisite courses and an interview with the Byers School of Nursing.
The Wright State University-Miami Valley College of Nursing and Health has been offering nursing programs since 1973. The college provides students with top notch infrastructure, where students thrive and excel under the mentorship of a dedicated faculty. Access to open labs, simulators, a nursing lounge and computer lab are some of the facilities where students master nursing skills in a replica of clinical settings. It strives to empower students by delivering on its mission of excellence in education and lifelong learning.
WSU currently offers a five back to back semester, 20-month BSN-Alternative Pre-Licensure Pathway. This program is tailor made for LPNs, EMTs, paramedics and other healthcare workers. You will receive credit for your previous education and experience and will have the opportunity to earn your BSN in less than 2 years. Students with a 4-year degree from a non-healthcare field with some sort of patient-care experience can also apply for this program.
Following is the List of 5 Accelerated MSN/Entry-level Masters Programs in Ohio for 2025
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve is located close to many top health care organizations like University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth Medical Center, thereby opening up a plethora of opportunities for nursing students. Since its inception in 1923, the school has stayed true to its commitment of providing excellent nursing education with employment training and exceptional hands on learning opportunities.
The Direct Entry MSN in Ohio at Case Western is an accelerated track, ideal for those who come from a non-nursing background and are interested in becoming a nurse. It is divided into two segments, the first being the pre-licensure, where you will take full-time classes for 4 semesters and on completion of which earn a Master of Nursing degree and be prepared to take the licensure exam and become an RN. Thereon, on you move to the second segment and complete advanced specialty courses that take a minimum of 3 semesters to complete. At the end of this segment, you will earn a Master of Science in Nursing and will be eligible to apply for the certification exam. Advanced courses are offered either full-time or part-time, in a distance learning format.
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The Department of Nursing at Mount Saint has 80 years of experience in teaching nursing students. Its alumni have gone on to become exceptional practitioners and administrators, creating an impactful change in the healthcare system. With a state-of-art simulation center and a faculty that nurtures students in a conducive environment, it sets the tone right for positive academic outcome.
The Master’s Graduate Entry-Level into Nursing spans four consecutive semesters that starts thrice a year, in January, May and August. It is an accelerated pre-licensure entry-level master’s degree program that will prepare you to take the NCLEX-RN. You will take classes during the day; although at times in the evening too you may have to attend sessions. Clinicals are offered on Saturdays, with the last segment of the program having students work with a registered nurse for 144 hours. To be eligible for this program, you need to have earned a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade C in pre-requisite courses which include Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Microbiology, Pathophysiology, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, Lifespan Development and Nutrition.
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The Ohio State University College of Nursing has been offering highest quality nursing programs since its inception way back in 1914. In all these years it has kept evolving to stay abreast with the advances in clinical sciences. The college trains students to be lifelong learners and imbibes evidence-based practice.
If you are a student from a non-nursing background and keen on practicing as an advanced nurse in a variety of clinical settings, then the Graduate Entry Master of Science can be right for you. The curriculum prepares you for the licensure exam as well as specialization in an area of your choice. The program entirely takes three years of full-time study, requiring you to pass the NCLEX-RN at mid-point. After you successfully become an RN you will complete the specialty coursework. Keep in mind that you must select your choice of specialty at the time of your admission. The pre-licensure coursework is mostly offered on campus, so you are advised to live in the Columbus, Ohio area during this phase. However, you can take the specialty courses in either Clinical Nurse Leader or Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, completely online.
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The College of Nursing at the University of Toledo started in 1970 by offering the first bachelor’s nursing program in Northwest Ohio. With its Learning Resource Center and the university’s Interprofessional Immersive Simulation Center, students are provided with numerous learning opportunities where they hone their practical skills in a hi-tech educational environment. Moreover, learning is facilitated by a faculty of expert clinicians who bring in their extensive clinical experience to the table.
The Master of Science in Nursing is an Entry Level Master’s program in Ohio that builds on your past non-nursing academic knowledge. The program prepares you to become a Registered Nurse with a degree as an Advanced Practice Nurse and Nurse Educator. You can choose your nursing track from the available options of Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator or Graduate-Entry Clinical Nurse Leader. The program can be completed in two years, including one summer. The specialty coursework will take an additional three semesters to complete.
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Xavier University School of Nursing offers a variety of nursing programs to its ever-growing student population. Graduates are trained to face challenges of the healthcare industry and are respected throughout the state for being knowledgeable, ethical and culturally relevant. Equipped with a faculty of outstanding practitioners and state of art clinical simulation lab, students’ career aspirations are well nurtured in a goal driven environment.
The Direct Entry as Second Degree is a fast track to a career in nursing for students coming from a non-nursing background. On completion of the program you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, Clinical Nurse Leader exam as well as the holistic nurse certification exam. It takes 20 months of full-time study, i.e. five semesters to complete this program. You will be trained to work as an advanced generalist. The program begins in Fall each year and you can apply year-round, however avoid it too close to the start date as you could miss out on a seat.
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