Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Nursing is a diverse discipline that affords the opportunity for a challenging and rewarding career. Bachelor-prepared nurses are generalists who provide services for patients and their families in hospitals, clinics, businesses, homes and a variety of other settings. Nursing involves activities related to health promotion and health restoration of individuals who are experiencing illness and/or disabilities throughout the lifespan. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the entry level professional degree in nursing and provides the foundation for graduate study.

 

Bachelor's program

U.S. News & World Report BSN #4The College of Nursing at Ohio State provides one of the finest bachelor's program in the United States (U.S. News & World Report ranked Ohio State's BSN program #4 overall and tied for #1 among public institutions in September 2023) and is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at The Ohio State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791Like all bachelor's programs at Ohio State, the curriculum includes general education (GE) course requirements in foundational skills, the arts, sciences and humanities as well as courses in the nursing science major. The generic bachelor's option includes a minimum of one year of prerequisite pre-nursing coursework, and after admission to the major, an additional three years of nursing and other related coursework.

The bachelor's program can be completed in a minimum of four years, including the year of prerequisite coursework. Part-time study may be possible, however it is the exception and will lengthen the time to earn the degree. A minimum of 121 credit hours is required to earn the BSN. At the time of graduation, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) that must be passed to be able to practice as a registered nurse (RN). 

A new curriculum will begin for students entering the program in August 2023. This innovative curriculum was built to prepare the next generation of nurses with the tools they will need to be successful.
 

Outcomes for Graduates of the Baccalaureate Program

We have high aspirations for our students as healthcare professionals. We support them in pursuing their personal and professional success through a simple philosophy of LIVEWELL. The BSN graduate will be prepared to:

LEAD: Embody the values and leadership abilities of a professional nurse across the lifespan in a variety of settings

INNOVATE: Serve as an innovative nurse who makes meaningful and unique contributions toward wellness promotion, disease prevention and management and population health improvements

VISION: Practice with vision and leverage one’s own career to transform healthcare to ultimately improve quality and safety 

EXECUTE: Execute clinical reasoning and evidence-based decision making to practice with the full extent of licensure

WELLNESS-FOCUSED: Apply a holistic approach to optimal health and well-being for self, individuals and populations

EVIDENCE-BASED: Implement best practices consistently while fostering an evidence-based practice culture

LIFE-LONG LEARNING: Embrace life-long learning to transform health and improve lives

LIGHTS FOR THE WORLD: Exemplifying the spirit of caring and service


 

Comparing BSN Pathways

There are three main application and program pathways for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Click on each pathway to view admission requirements and learn more. To compare pathways, use the chart below.

  Direct from High School Pathway Early Admissions Pathway Traditional Pathway
Senior Year
(high school)
  • Applied and accepted to Ohio State Columbus
  • Separately applied and accepted to Traditional BSN program
  • All BSN prerequisites completed through CCP/Dual Enrollment/AP courses by the end of spring term
  • Applied and accepted to Ohio State
  • Declare Pre-Nursing major (optional)

1st Year
(Ohio State)

  • BSN program
  • Pre-Nursing program
  • Complete BSN prerequisite courses
  • Maintain EA progression requirements
  • Pre-Nursing program/other
  • Complete Traditional BSN prerequisite courses
  • Apply to BSN program

2nd Year
(Ohio State)

  • BSN program
If standards are met ...
  • BSN program
If accepted to Traditional BSN program ...
  • BSN program

3rd Year
(Ohio State)

  • BSN program
  • BSN program
  • BSN program
4th Year 
(Ohio State)
N/A (students expected to graduate in 3rd year)
  • BSN program
  • BSN program

Transfer students will follow the Traditional BSN application and program pathway. 

 


Admission to the nursing major is required before a student is permitted to enroll in nursing courses. Students new to Ohio State as first-year or transfer students may enroll in the College of Nursing as pre-nursing students provided they meet the criteria. Students may complete the prerequisite courses in another college at Ohio State or at another university. Students at other Ohio schools can check course transferability at transferology.com.

Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification and state licensing board contact information at go.osu.edu/onground.

Applicants who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree may be eligible to apply to the Graduate Entry option, a three-year, full-time program for non-nurses leading to a master’s degree in nursing. Contact the College of Nursing at 614-292-4041 or send an e-mail to nursing@osu.edu to learn more.

The College of Nursing also offers an RN to BSN option for registered nurses who are graduates of an associate degree or diploma nursing program and wish to earn a BSN. Contact the Office of Student Affairs at 614-292-4041 for more information.

Application Deadline

Autumn 2023
Opens: October 1
Deadline: January 15

Amy Jauch
Assistant Clinical Professor

Message from the Director

Nursing is an exciting profession in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. At Ohio State, you will have the opportunity to learn and apply evidence-based practice to provide high quality care and enhance your career. You also have the opportunity and are encouraged to focus on your personal wellness. Thank you for considering becoming a Buckeye-prepared nurse!

BSN Application Help Sessions