Nursing Schools Columbus
The best Columbus nursing schools are affordable and have associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for nurses. As Ohio’s capital and one of the biggest cities in the US, Columbus, OH is a great destination for nurses in the Midwest. If you want to know how to become a registered nurse or nurse practitioner in Columbus, you may by start looking for nursing schools in Columbus OH. When looking into nursing schools, a person should only look for accredited nursing schools in Columbus Ohio. Accredited nursing schools in Columbus are the ones that have proven to educate a person properly to enter into the real world of nursing.
A person should look into the graduation rate of each one of the nursing schools in Columbus OH. A person should also consider what the student-to-instructor ratio for each one of the nursing schools in Columbus Ohio is. Another way to compare nursing schools in Columbus Ohio is to look at the reviews. A person wants to look into each nursing school in Columbus Ohio that has mostly positive reviews.
How We Ranked the Best Nursing Schools in Columbus, OH
TopRN editors want to see nurses in Ohio and all over the US find programs that meet their needs. That’s why we feature only accredited, proven schools that students can trust to make a difference in their careers. Nursing schools are ranked by factors including how many programs they offer, the cost of tuition, and reviews from real students.
1. The Ohio State University
At the head of the list of the best nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio is The Ohio State University. The school offers nursing programs at every level from bachelor’s to doctoral. At the bachelor’s level, there is the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as an online RN to BSN program. The Master of Science in Nursing has four concentrations to choose from. They are psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners, neonatal nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse leaders. There is also a post-master’s study option as well as a PhD and DNP.
The Ohio State University College of Nursing strives to advance the quality of nursing care is practiced. The school transforms lives and healthcare through its top-notch educational programs, strong history, and wellness-focused leadership. The College of Nursing offers wellness strategies, innovation, evidence-based practice, world-class research, and quality nursing education.
HIGHLIGHT: Many of The Ohio State University’s nursing programs are available online.
Programs: BSN – DNP/PhD
2. Otterbein University
Next on the list of the best nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio, and the surrounding area is Otterbein University. Otterbein offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Students pursuing a DNP can choose from three specialties: family nurse practitioner, psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthesia. The DNP programs are ADN to DNP or BSN to DNP, depending on the concentration. These programs all involve earning an MSN on the way to the DNP degree. Post-master’s certificates in family nurse practitioner and psychiatric & mental health nurse practitioner are also available.
Otterbein University is a liberal arts university that was established in 1847. The school has been recognized for its desire to serve the common good, its leadership in establishing co-educational institutions, its integrative curriculum, and its high ideals. The school encourages networking and internships.
HIGHLIGHT: Otterbein has a 100% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Programs: BSN – DNP
3. Mount Carmel College of Nursing
As one of the best nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio, Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers nursing programs from the bachelor’s level to the doctoral level. There are five options for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing: the traditional program, an advanced placement program, a second-degree accelerated 13-month program, a second-degree accelerated hybrid 18-month program, and an online RN to BSN program. Students pursuing an MSN can choose from a family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nursing leadership–clinical operations. There is also an online DNP program.
The Mount Carmel College of Nursing prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. The school has been training nurses for over 115 years. Mount Carmel is a Catholic college that helps nursing students realize their career aspirations. The school helps students make friends as they define their goals and follow their career paths to a successful nursing career.
HIGHLIGHT: The online DNP program can be completed in 18 months.
Programs: BSN – DNP
4. Capital University
Capital University is among the best nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio. The school offers nursing degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The BSN program is an accelerated BSN that is designed for students who already have a bachelor’s or graduate degree in another field. Students who want to pursue an MSN have several concentrations to choose from. There are also MSN/JD and MSN/MBA dual degrees available, as well as a post-master’s certificate in nurse educator. Capital also offers a DNP in executive leadership.
Capital University prepares students to meet their goals in nursing, whether that is to serve in a specialty or to work in the emergency room. At the same time, Capital also prepares graduates for life with its foundation in liberal arts.
HIGHLIGHT: BSN students can choose from the accelerated daytime track or the flexible hybrid track.
Programs: BSN – DNP
5. Franklin University
Another of the best nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio is Franklin University. Franklin offers an RN to BSN, a traditional Master of Science in Nursing, an MSN with a concentration in a family nurse practitioner or nurse administrator, and an RN to MSN program. Since studies show that patient outcomes improve with a nurse’s level of education, there is a push to require nurses to have at least a bachelor’s degree. Franklin University’s RN to BSN program helps practicing nurses meet this new requirement. The program helps nurses improve their leadership skills and prepare for management positions.
Franklin University is a leader in online education. Around 80% of its students take online courses. The school has a history of serving adult learners for over 100 years. Franklin is a military-friendly school that focuses on adult-centered learning. The school offers a flexible online program, student-centered support, collaborative peers, engaged faculty, and hands-on assignments.
HIGHLIGHT: All of Franklin University’s nursing programs are online.
Programs: BSN – MSN
6. Chamberlain University College of Nursing
As one of the best nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio, Chamberlain University College of Nursing offers a three-year accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is a good first step toward a successful nursing career. The three-year BSN program requires students to attend classes year-round instead of taking the summers off, which allows students to graduate sooner and get into the workforce a year earlier than if they attended another school. There are no prerequisites required to start the program.
Chamberlain University has been preparing students for nursing and other healthcare careers for 130 years. The school seeks to provide an environment that allows students to thrive. Its mission is to embolden, empower, and educate healthcare professionals who will make a difference in the health of families, people, nations, and communities.
HIGHLIGHT: Chamberlain University has a 97% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX.
Programs: BSN
7. Central Ohio Technical College
Central Ohio Technical College offers an Associate Degree Nursing program that requires five semesters of study. The program balances nursing courses with general education. Students enrolled in the program participate in laboratory experiences that involve caring for all age groups of patients. The school has arrangements with local healthcare facilities to provide clinical experiences for its nursing students. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and are prepared to work in private homes, medical offices, industrial settings, long-term care facilities, and hospitals.
Central Ohio Technical College has more than $1 million in scholarships available each year. COTC provides the hands-on training students need to succeed in the job market after graduation. The school’s mission is the meet the training and technical education needs of area employers and students.
HIGHLIGHT: Graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam upon completion of the program.
Programs: ADN
8. Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Community College offers an Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree, a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate, a nurse aid certificate, and nursing certificates that are intended for nurses who want to enrich their credentials. The ADN prepares nursing students to become Registered Nurses who are able to provide care to patients in many different healthcare settings. The program is five semesters long and emphasizes psychomotor skills. Students learn care management skills, delegation, decision making, and critical thinking in addition to gaining practical nursing skills.
Columbus State Community College is one of the most diverse schools in the area. The student body has representatives from 130 different countries. The school is more affordable than most other schools. In fact, 76% of the school’s students graduate without any student loan debt. CSCC is student-focused and offers small class sizes, which facilitates personal attention for students.
HIGHLIGHT: Graduates are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Programs: ADN
9. Hondros College
Hondros College of Nursing has a practical nursing (PN) program and an Associate Degree in Nursing. The PN program prepares students to become licensed practical nurses. Students begin working toward their goal of becoming a nurse from the first day and start gaining clinical experience in the second term. The ADN program prepares students to become Registered Nurses. Students can start as LPNs who are already working in the field or enter into the ADN program as their first step toward a nursing career. Students at Hondros gain hands-on experience as they complete their nursing program.
Hondros College of Nursing graduates quality nurses who are ready to enter the field and put their nursing skills to the test. The school offers a direct, focused approach that encourages students to develop collaborative, communication, and clinical skills.
HIGHLIGHT: Students who complete the ADN program are qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become Registered Nurses.
Programs: ADN
10. Fortis College
Fortis College offers an ADN program that prepares students to become Registered Nurses. The school also has a partnership with the Denver College of Nursing to offer RN to BSN and MSN programs. Fortis’s ADN program provides students with quality clinical and academic instruction. The program teaches the skills and knowledge required to work as a Registered Nurse in many different healthcare settings after passing the NCLEX exam. Fortis’s ADN program is a hybrid program, which means that some classes are taken online and some are only available on campus.
The “Fortis Difference” means high standards for staff and faculty. Students are treated as valued members of the community, with a focus on understanding, support, and connection. Fortis offers small class sizes, which means individualized attention for its students, whether they are taking classes on campus or online.
HIGHLIGHT: ADN graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become Registered Nurses.
Programs: ADN
How is the Job Market for Nurses in Columbus?
First and foremost, when a person searches for registered nursing jobs in Columbus Ohio, he or she will find that there are plenty of jobs listed on popular job boards. A person will find registered nursing jobs in Columbus Ohio in various specialties.
Additionally, when talking about nursing jobs in Columbus OH, a person should understand that many nurses in the area will retire, which leaves their positions open for grabs. Plus, as the elderly population increases, the number of nursing jobs in Columbus OH will grow. In addition, the number of nurse jobs in Columbus Ohio will continue to be in demand just like the number of nursing jobs in the U.S. as a whole.
Nurse Practitioner Jobs in Columbus
The number of nurse practitioner jobs in Columbus, Ohio will also grow throughout the years. The increase in nurse practitioner jobs will also stem from the growing medical industry as well as the growing number of older individuals who are more likely to struggle with chronic health problems.
Nurse practitioner jobs in Columbus Ohio are also available when a person searches online for this type of job. Therefore, in terms of nursing jobs in Columbus Ohio, the need will continue to increase.
A person should also take into consideration that, in general, the number of nursing jobs for registered nurses is expected to grow across the country. Additionally, the number of nurse practitioner jobs in the country is expected to grow as well. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a growth of 45 percent from 2019 until 2029, which is much faster than the average job growth for all other jobs that the BLS lists. Therefore, even if a nurse can’t find a job in Columbus, there’s a good chance he or she can find a job nearby.
How Much Do Nurses Make in Columbus?
The average nursing salary in Columbus Ohio is $27.43. This nursing salary in Columbus Ohio is equal to $57,044, as noted by PayScale.com. When a person is looking into the nurse salary in Columbus Ohio, he or she should also look into the fact that the nurse salary in Columbus Ohio is higher for people who specialize in a certain area of medicine. How much of a pay increase the nurse salary in Columbus Ohio raises by revolves around the fact that certain specialties are more entailed, and certain ones are more in need. Additionally, the average nurse salary of a nurse in Columbus Ohio is higher for these individuals because they require additional knowledge and certifications to work in that area of medicine.
Nurse Practitioner Salary in Columbus
On the other hand, if a person chooses to further his or her education and earn a master’s degree and become an advanced nurse, he or she can make more money. Additionally, a person can also make more money if he or she earns a master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. Just like becoming a registered nurse, when a person becomes a nurse practitioner, he or she can make more money. In fact, according to PayScale.com, a family nurse practitioner in Columbus Ohio makes an average of $91,465 per year. This figure is the same as $43.97 per hour.
A person who wants a higher nurse practitioner salary may want to look into psychiatric nursing. A nurse practitioner who works in anesthesiology makes the most of any nursing specialty. Of all nursing specialties, this type of nurse practitioner makes the most money. An acute care nurse practitioner also makes more money than other nursing specialties.
If a person wants to amplify his or her nursing salary, he or she may want to look into either registered nursing or nurse practitioner jobs in hospitals. Hospitals tend to pay the highest wages.
Related:
- Nursing in Ohio
- State of Nursing – Resource Guide to Nursing
- Which States Offer the Cheapest RN to BSN Programs?
- Essential Guide to Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)
- Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Positions
- 20 Highest-Paying Travel Nursing Agencies
- Top 25 Nursing Student Blogs
- Scholarships For Nursing Students
- 10 Best Nursing Schools in Denver
