Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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The College of Nursing at Ohio State provides one of the top-ranked bachelor's program in the United States and is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Like 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 traditional 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.
A minimum of 122 credit hours is required to earn the BSN. Once competed, students are eligible to take the National Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse (RN).
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, 202-887-6791.
There are three main program pathways for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Click on each pathway to view admission requirements, application deadlines and more.
Transfer students will apply to the follow the Traditional program. Connect with one of our academic advisors for a personal 1:1 meeting to review your transfer credits and answer your questions. Click here to schedule your time.
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.
We offer several other pathways for applicants to achieve a BSN, both for working nurses and those who have a non-nursing bachelor's degree. Click below to learn more:
Visit this page to learn more about requirements related to vaccines, licenses and other requirements upon admission.
Outcomes for Graduates of the Baccalaureate Program
We support our students in pursuing their personal and professional success through the 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
Licensure and Certification
In order to practice professional nursing as a Registered Nurse, you must pass a licensing examination (NCLEX RN) in the state in which you will be practicing. Applicants must submit their fingerprints to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) in order to be eligible to sit for the licensing examination. A prior conviction for certain criminal offenses may bar the applicant from obtaining licensure. In the State of Ohio, this information is located in the Ohio Revised Code (e.g., O.R.C. Sections 4723.09). On the Ohio Board of Nursing website, a “Disqualifying Offenses Criminal History Fact Sheet” is also available. Admission to the College of Nursing in no way guarantees that an applicant will be eligible for licensure or employment as a Registered Nurse.
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!
