Ohio has strong nursing programs across the state, anchored by The Ohio State University's nationally ranked College of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and a network of quality regional universities and community colleges. Ohio's large healthcare sector — anchored by Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, Nationwide Children's, and numerous regional health systems — creates excellent clinical training opportunities and strong post-graduation employment.
Top BSN Nursing Programs in Ohio
- The Ohio State University (OSU): Columbus. Consistently nationally ranked. Strong research orientation and direct Wexner Medical Center affiliations.
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU): Cleveland. Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing is one of the oldest and most respected nursing programs in the US.
- University of Cincinnati: Strong clinical nursing program with UC Health affiliations.
- Kent State University: Kent. Large regional university with strong nursing program and Cleveland-area clinical access.
- Wright State University: Dayton. Nursing programs with Wright-Patterson AFB and Dayton healthcare connections.
- Ohio University: Athens. Nursing programs for Southeast Ohio.
Top Community College Nursing Programs in Ohio
- Columbus State Community College: Large ADN program with strong Columbus healthcare connections.
- Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C): ADN programs for the Cleveland market.
- Cincinnati State: ADN programs for Southwest Ohio.
- Sinclair Community College (Dayton): ADN programs for the Dayton area.
Ohio Nurse Salary
- LPN (Ohio): $42,000-$54,000/yr
- RN with ADN: $56,000-$76,000/yr
- RN with BSN (Columbus or Cleveland): $62,000-$88,000/yr
- Family Nurse Practitioner: $98,000-$128,000/yr
- CRNA (Ohio): $160,000-$205,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best nursing school in Ohio?
OSU's College of Nursing is consistently the highest-ranked in Ohio. Case Western Reserve's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing is historic and strong, particularly for graduate education. For most Ohio students the best program balances cost, location, and clinical access to strong health systems.
How much do nurses make at Cleveland Clinic?
Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the world and pays competitive wages to attract and retain top nurses. RNs at Cleveland Clinic earn $65,000-$95,000/yr depending on specialty and experience. Cleveland Clinic also offers extensive continuing education support and career advancement opportunities.
Is there a nursing shortage in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio faces nursing shortages particularly in rural Southeast and Northwest Ohio. Intel semiconductor campus construction near Columbus is not directly related to nursing demand but the overall Ohio economy growth does contribute to healthcare system expansion and nurse hiring.
What is the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing?
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland is one of the oldest nursing schools in the US, founded in 1898. It has a strong research mission and offers BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. The school is named after Frances Payne Bolton, a US Congresswoman who championed nursing education and public health.
Does Ohio have good NP job opportunities?
Yes. Ohio has a favorable advanced practice environment and strong demand for NPs across all specialties. Family Nurse Practitioners and PMHNP are particularly in demand. Major Ohio health systems actively recruit NPs and offer competitive compensation packages.
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