[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ohio is home to some of the nation’s top nursing schools and hospitals, making the state a great place to pursue a nursing degree and launch your career. Graduates who live and work in Ohio also enjoy a relatively low cost of living and above-average projected employment growth.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide details how to become a nurse in the Buckeye State, along with the salary and employment outlook for graduates, and some of the best nursing programs in Ohio.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Ohio.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Nursing Schools in Ohio[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Explore Ohio’s top nursing schools.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Our Methodology[/hen-ui-text]: We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing schools in Ohio, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Ohio Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose a Nursing Program in Ohio[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are many factors to consider as you explore nursing programs in Ohio, including admission requirements, tuition rates, program length, and specialization options. You can also learn a lot by reviewing each school’s National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate and every [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]nursing program’s accreditation status[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Become a Nurse in Ohio[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of the country’s best hospitals are located in Ohio, including the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Residents also benefit from the state’s low cost of living.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ohio is also a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). As a[hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nursing-compact-states/”] nursing compact state[/hen-ui-link], Ohio maintains a set of rules and procedures that all licensed registered nurses (RNs) must follow. The NLC makes it easier for RNs to qualify for licensure in other participating states.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Beginning in 2023, nurses with an NLC license do not need to pay renewal fees and can provide patients with telehealth care across state lines.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Ohio[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The annual mean wage for Ohio RNs is $71,640, and $112,490 for nurse practitioners in the state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Although both figures fall slightly below the respective national averages, Ohio’s low cost of living makes the state an affordable option for new graduates.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Over 129,000 RNs work in Ohio, and that number is growing. The BLS projects a 9% job growth rate for RNs from 2020-30, slightly higher than the 8% national rate for all occupations combined.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following table identifies Ohio’s highest-paying metropolitan areas for RNs. Nurses earn the most in highly populated areas around the southeast, central, and northeast parts of Ohio.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-table][hen-ui-table-caption]Highest-Paying Cities for Nurses in Ohio[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Salary for RNs[/hen-ui-table-head][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-header][hen-ui-table-body][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cleveland — Elyria[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$74,900[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Cincinnati[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$72,400[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Akron[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$71,340[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Lima[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,680[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-row][hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Springfield[/hen-ui-table-head][hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Top-Paying Metropolitan Areas”]$68,650[/hen-ui-table-cell][/hen-ui-table-row][/hen-ui-table-body][/hen-ui-table]Source: BLS[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Ohio[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective nurses in Ohio must graduate from a nursing program approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Next, they must [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]pass the NCLEX[/hen-ui-link] for RNs (NCLEX-RN) before applying for state licensure.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once the Ohio Board of Nursing accepts the candidate’s application, the individual must complete state-mandated fingerprinting and pass a background check.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs are required to fulfill [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurses-continuing-education-guide/”]continuing education requirements for nurses[/hen-ui-link] to maintain their license and work in Ohio.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Ohio[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to become an RN in Ohio?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The amount of time it takes to become an RN in Ohio depends upon the prospective nurse’s education path. Most spend two years earning an ADN or four years completing a BSN. Part-time study can extend graduation time lines for both degrees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct-entry graduates are students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and want to earn an MSN. They often complete accelerated programs in 15-36 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is Ohio a good state to be a nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While [hen-ui-link href=”/state/ohio//rn-salary/”]Ohio nurses earn slightly lower salaries[/hen-ui-link] compared to their counterparts in the rest of the country, the state’s low cost of living makes it an affordable place to live and work.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Ohio is projected to face a significant surplus of nurses over the next decade. However, the state needs APRNs who specialize in areas like midwifery and anesthesia. Nurses who wish to work in Ohio should focus on an [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nursing-specialties-where-demand-is-high/”]in-demand nursing specialty[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much does nursing school cost in Ohio?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//how-much-does-nursing-school-cost/”]cost of nursing school[/hen-ui-link] in Ohio varies depending on the program and institution. Along with tuition, learners should calculate the potential costs of transportation and/or room and board, books and supplies, and fees.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An RN-to-BSN program at [hen-ui-link href=”https://online.osu.edu/tuition-and-fees/115″]Ohio State University[/hen-ui-link] costs around $16,000 for Ohio residents and $17,000 for out-of-state students. An MSN [hen-ui-link href=”https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/tuition-costs” target=”_blank”] at Kent State University[/hen-ui-link] costs between $18,000 and $22,000.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How much does a new RN Make in Ohio?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to data from the BLS, the bottom 10% of all RNs nationally earn $59,450 a year, while the top 10% of earners make over $120,00 annually. However, Ohio RNs typically fall below national figures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Find Nursing Programs in Other States[/hen-ui-heading]