Do you want to be an advanced practice RN in Ohio even though you don’t have an undergraduate degree in nursing? Direct Entry MSN programs in Ohio are designed to meet your needs. Direct Entry MSN programs in the Buckeye State combine BSN with MSN curricula, which cuts down considerably on the time you’ll have to spend in school. With this graduate degree, you can become a nurse practitioner, nurse executive, or nurse educator. After you graduate, you can expect to earn $113,850 a year. To help you get started, the following list of the 7 best Direct Entry MSN programs in Ohio for 2025 will give you the full scoop.
Based on our Ranking Methodology, the following are the 7 Best Direct-Entry MSN programs in Ohio (Online & Campus).
Specialties Offered: Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwifery, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
About Ohio State University: If you are keen on obtaining a nursing degree from one of the best direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio, then Ohio State University’s direct-entry MSN will be your best bet. Here, expert faculty transform the lives of non-nursing students who are keen on entering the nursing field. Further, with active research projects and a galore of resources, students can explore ample learning opportunities beyond the classroom. What’s more, Ohio State College of Nursing is also one of the top recipients of funding from the NIH, a distinction the college has received for engaging in innovative research activities.
Ohio State University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Ohio State University's direct-entry MSN program offers several specializations in advanced practice nursing. Based on your calling, you can choose adult-gerontology primary care, pediatrics, family health, psychiatric mental, nurse-midwifery, women’s health, or neonatal care. This direct-entry MSN program in Ohio, regardless of the specialization, is a three-year curriculum that includes pre-licensure courses, graduate core courses, specialty-specialty core courses, and clinical experiences.
The program blends on-campus and online classes. While the pre-licensure courses are completed on-campus, the graduate core and specialty courses are mostly offered online. After you complete the pre-licensure courses, you’ll be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. The pre-licensure courses provide a solid foundation in various topics of nursing, including, community health nursing, psychiatric & mental health nursing, cultural competence, and quality & safety in clinical practice.
On the other hand, the core graduate courses strengthen your knowledge in quality improvement & informatics, health promotion, theory, pathophysiology, advanced health assessment, and advanced pharmacology. In addition, students also complete courses within their chosen specialty. Upon graduation, students earn an MSN and gain the eligibility to take the certification exam within their chosen specialization.
Ohio State University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for Ohio State University’s direct-entry MSN, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Also, the GPA must be at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to have completed pre-requisite courses in human anatomy, human physiology, nutrition, microbiology, and pharmacology. Besides, you must be prepared to submit your transcripts, resume, goals statement, and three letters of recommendation.
Interesting Highlights For Ohio State University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Ohio State University’s direct-entry MSN program is offered in a medical center. Students participate in interprofessional learning experiences related to healthcare practice and research.About Case Western Reserve University: Case Western Reserve University should be on your list if you are a non-nurse aspiring to join Ohio’s thriving nursing workforce. Whether you desire exceptional clinical experiences or marketable skills, the nursing school prepares you for competent nursing practice in a variety of healthcare settings.
Case Western Reserve University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Counted among the best direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio, Case Western Reserve University direct-entry MSN, prepares non-nurses for a nursing career rather quickly. Grounded in interprofessional collaboration, the program can be completed within as little as 20 months.
The 72-credit curriculum leads to the NCLEX-RN exam and prepares you to become a generalist registered nurse. The coursework covers the basic and advanced concepts in nursing. Some of the classes you take include pharmacology, health assessment, healthcare informatics, health promotion, health policy, evidence-based nursing practice, and healthcare leadership. Upon graduation, you earn an MSN.
Case Western Reserve University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To qualify for Case Western Reserve University’s direct-entry MSN, you must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Further, your GPA must be at least 2.75. This direct-entry MSN program in Ohio also requires you to fulfill prerequisites with a minimum grade of B.
Interesting Highlights For Case Western Reserve University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Case Western Reserve University’s direct-entry MSN program boasts an excellent pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam.About the University of Cincinnati: University of Cincinnati educates non-nurses to become nurses in the region’s only academic health center. If you’ve decided to switch to nursing, then this nursing school offers you an excellent education to embark on a rewarding healthcare career.
University of Cincinnati Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: University of Cincinnati direct-entry MSN program gets counted among the best direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio. This is because, here, within as little as five semesters, non-nurses gain solid skills and knowledge to launch their careers as generalist registered nurses.
The program is offered in an accelerated format and requires the completion of 64 credits. Leveraging on your non-nursing baccalaureate education, the curriculum is designed to train you in foundational and advanced nursing concepts. Offered full-time, this direct-entry MSN program in Ohio teaches you concepts in population, public & community health nursing, healthcare policy, nursing research, evidence-based knowledge, healthcare informatics, and the fundamentals of patient-centered care. You also learn about patient-centered care of individuals and families across the lifespan, emphasizing the vulnerable and underserved populations.
University of Cincinnati Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: To apply for the University of Cincinnati direct-entry MSN program, you must have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Further, the program requires you to submit references, transcripts, a resume, and a goal statement.
Interesting Highlights For University of Cincinnati Direct-Entry MSN Students• University of Cincinnati’s direct-entry MSN students enjoy plenty of inter-professional learning opportunities in an academic health center. Also, with top hospitals located in close vicinity, students explore learning opportunities in a variety of unique clinical settings.
• University of Cincinnati direct-entry MSN students study in small-sized classes where they receive one-on-one attention under the mentorship of an expert faculty.
• University of Cincinnati direct-entry MSN students perform exceedingly well on the NCLEX-RN exam.
About University of Toledo: University of Toledo has been home to students coming from various backgrounds. Whether you are a chemical engineer, a psychologist, or a social worker, if you desire a career shift to nursing then this school is a great place to start. No matter, how & when you start, you’ll leave the school with exceptional professional preparedness to face the complex challenges of nursing practice.
University of Toledo Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Counted among the well-known direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio, the University of Toledo direct-entry MSN, is a 66-credit program. In addition to comprehensive didactic coursework, the program also includes 540 clinical hours and 150 hours of simulation practice.
The coursework covers various topics in registered nursing, including, population focussed care, health assessment, physiology & pathophysiology, biostatistical methods, public policy, quality & healthcare informatics, and nursing research. The program also prepares students for the healthcare management of patients of all age groups.
University of Toledo Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Applicants for the University of Toledo direct-entry MSN must have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Also, their GPA must be at least 3.0. This direct-entry MSN program in Ohio also requires that applicants complete pre-requisite courses in human anatomy, physiology, psychology, and social sciences. Admission into this program is competitive, so ensure you highlight your academic and professional accomplishments.
Interesting Highlights For University of Toledo Direct-Entry MSN Students
• University of Toledo nursing school is ranked among the top in the nation as per the U.S. News & World Report. If you choose to complete your direct-entry education at this school, you can rest assured of receiving a high-quality education.About Xavier University: If you are seeking a quick career move to nursing, then applying to Xavier University’s direct-entry MSN is an excellent idea. In a faith-based environment, the nursing school grooms students to become compassionate nurses. One of the oldest private Catholic universities in the nation, the school offers a well-rounded nursing education.
Xavier University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Of all the direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio, Xavier University's direct-entry MSN stands out for preparing students not only for the NCLEX-RN licensure but also for Holistic Nurse and Clinical Nurse Leader certifications. Within a short duration of 20 months, this accelerated program seamlessly takes you from a career as a non-nurse to that of a clinical leader.
The coursework requires the completion of around 84 credits in pre-licensure courses, MSN core courses, and CNL-related courses. You’ll attend classes in nursing perspectives, nursing research, pathophysiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, management concepts, healthcare ethics, and advanced informatics. Additionally, classes in the art & science of advanced nursing prepare you to provide nursing care to patients suffering from acute and chronic health conditions.
Xavier University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Xavier University's direct-entry MSN program accepts applications on a rolling basis, so you can apply anytime throughout the year. To qualify for this direct-entry MSN program in Ohio, you must have an accredited non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Also, your GPA must be at least 3.0. The program also requires applicants to submit their transcripts, resume, and three letters of recommendation. The program does not charge an application fee, so you can apply free of cost!
Interesting Highlights For Xavier University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Xavier University direct-entry MSN students are provided with some of the best clinical experiences in the greater Cincinnati area.About Mount Saint Joseph University: One of the other faith-based direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio is offered by Mount Saint Joseph University. So, if you are seeking education that is transformative and grounded in liberal arts then this place is an excellent choice. With more than 100 years of excellence in nursing education, this nursing school has significantly contributed to Ohio’s nursing workforce.
Mount Saint Joseph University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Mount Saint Joseph University direct-entry MSN is one of the quickest routes to a new career in nursing. The direct-entry MSN curriculum comprises 64 credits and includes didactic and clinical courses.
The program teaches you various concepts in nursing, including the foundations of nursing practice & research, evidence-based nursing practice, healthcare policy, health assessment, and medication administration. The program also makes you adept in population focussed primary care and nursing care of critically ill and chronically ill patients. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and practice as a generalist registered nurse.
Mount Saint Joseph University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Mount Saint Joseph University direct-entry MSN is open to non-nurses with an accredited bachelor’s degree. To qualify, applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0. This direct-entry MSN program in Ohio also requires the completion of pre-requisite courses in human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, statistics, and nutrition.
Interesting Highlights For Mount Saint Joseph University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Mount Saint Joseph University direct-entry MSN students study in small-sized classes where personalized attention and close interaction with faculty and students are allowed.About Lourdes University: Lourdes University is a Catholic institution that offers another of our featured direct-entry MSN programs in Ohio. An environment where students are groomed for intellectual, mental, and spiritual growth, the school is recognized for being a top performer in social mobility.
Lourdes University Direct-Entry MSN Program Details: Whether you have any previous nursing experience or not, Lourdes University direct-entry MSN program prepares you with the skills and knowledge to provide competent nursing care. Students enter the program as non-nurses and leave with a master’s in nursing and as generalist registered nurses.
The program is fast-paced coursework and builds on your previous baccalaureate education. This direct-entry MSN program in Ohio can be completed within as few as 20 months. While most classes are offered on-campus, some courses can be taken online.
The coursework comprises 66 credits and covers topics such as the foundations of professional nursing, health & physical assessment, pathophysiology, evidence-based practice, healthcare systems management & policy, nursing informatics, and health promotion & disease prevention. The program also includes courses in nursing leadership & management, community health nursing, and nursing care of women, children, and families. Also, students are well-versed in mental health nursing and the primary healthcare management of adults across the lifespan.
Lourdes University Direct-Entry MSN Admission Requirements: Lourdes University direct-entry MSN is open to students who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Also, to qualify, a GPA of at least 3.0 is required. Further, applicants must have completed pre-requisite courses, including anatomy & physiology, chemistry, microbiology, human nutrition, statistics, and developmental psychology. To complete the application, the submission of official transcripts is required.
Interesting Highlights For Lourdes University Direct-Entry MSN Students
• Lourdes University's direct-entry MSN program offers several scholarships and financial aid opportunities to make your education more affordable.