Top ABSN Programs in Ohio | 2025

If you’re an aspiring nurse in Ohio with a bachelor's degree, an accelerated BSN might be the right path for you. This guide to ABSN programs in Ohio lays out all your program options in the Buckeye State. 

How to Earn an ABSN in Ohio

To earn your ABSN in Ohio, you must first have a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field. Then, you’ll have to apply to an accelerated nursing program. Some schools may also have certain prerequisites you need to have before applying, like recent math or chemistry classes. 

ABSN Programs in Ohio

Ohio is a well-respected state for nursing education in general and offers several ABSN programs for anyone looking to add nursing as a second career. The Cleveland Clinic is one of the best hopsitals in the country and provides a great learning experience for anyone lucky enough to work there. Plus, Ohio has many other benefits when you need to take a break from studying, like the friendly Midwest vibe, lower cost of living to decrease your overall costs, and other entertainment like museums, professional sports, and the top roller coaster park, Cedar Point. We’ve selected 4 of the best ABSN programs in Ohio. 

 

 

 

What to Expect in an ABSN Program in Ohio

Like other ABSN programs in the country, the programs in Ohio are competitive and fast-paced. However, all the programs are hybrid, and some are extremely accelerated, which is good for students with busy schedules who want to enter the workforce quickly.

Ohio ABSN Tuition 

Tuition for ABSN programs in Ohio cost between $30,000-$40,000 for the program. Your tuition will vary depending on the program’s location, public vs. private school status, and in-person vs. online attendance.

Admission Requirements

Each university has its own specific admissions standards. However, every ABSN program in Ohio requires a non-nursing bachelor's degree.

Other common admission requirements for accelerated nursing programs in Ohio include:

• Non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Prerequisites (e.g., Statistics or Anatomy & Physiology)
• Personal statement
• TEAS examination
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Transcripts 
• Application fee
• Admissions interview 
• Resume/CV

How Hard Are Ohio ABSN Programs?

The Buckeye State boasts some of the top ABSN programs nationwide. Admission to these schools is incredibly competitive, and the curricula are challenging, sometimes requiring up to 80 hours a week of learning. ABSN programs have smaller class sizes, so admission to these schools is competitive. It will be important to devote your full effort and attention to your studies. 

Despite the challenges, earning an ABSN in Ohio has its perks. Ohio is home to the Cleveland Clinic, which is ranked as the #3 best hospital in the country, according to US News Honor Roll Ranking.

How Long is an Accelerated BSN Program in Ohio?

Accelerated BSN programs in Ohio typically take two years, or five semesters, to complete. These programs have a set progression plan that students must follow to graduate.

What to Expect Working as a Nurse in Ohio

BSN Salary in Ohio

The median annual RN salary nationwide is $93,600 per year, $45.00 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) latest May 2024 update. RNs in Ohio earn well above this average, bringing in $86,110 annually or $41.40 an hour.

ZipRecruiter reports the average salary for BSN nurses is $49 an hour, while ADNs earn $31 an hour.

Career Outlook

Ohio is home to 138,360 registered nurses. The BLS reports that all RN jobs will grow by 6% (Faster than average) over the next decade, faster than the average for all other occupations. 

BSN Jobs in Ohio

Nurses can work in a large variety of locations depending on their interests. The largest and most common employer of nurses is hospitals.  Other possible job locations include:

• Ambulatory healthcare services
• Government agencies
• Academia
• Medical and aesthetic spas
• Outpatient clinics
• Long-term care facilities
• Private practice
• Surgery centers
• Urgent care centers
• Retirement facilities
• Mental health facilities

Next Steps

With a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can achieve your dream nursing career with a timely and affordable ABSN program in Ohio. These degrees allow qualified non-nurses to enter the workforce in just two years at a fraction of the cost of traditional BSNs.

Accelerated nursing programs in Ohio offer in-person and hybrid options, multiple start dates, and hands-on practice in clinical settings. If you're ready to become a nurse in Ohio, these programs may be exactly what you need. 

For more information on earning an ABSN, check out these resources:

• What is an ABSN and Is It Worth It?
• Best ABSN Programs

FAQs

• How Many ABSN Programs are in Ohio?

  • There are currently ten accredited ABSN programs in Ohio. 

• How Much do ABSN Programs in Ohio Cost?

  • ABSN programs range in price from roughly $30,000-$40,000, depending on the program. 

• How Long are ABSN Programs in Ohio? 

  • ABSN programs in Ohio typically take two years, or five semesters, to complete.

• How Many Nurses are in Ohio?

  • Currently, there are 138,360 registered nurses employed in Ohio.

• How Much Do Nurses in Ohio Make?

  • ABSNs in Ohio make around $86,110 annually.