Direct Enrollment
Complete seven prerequisites to enter Ohio State’s BSN program and start your nursing career.
Program overview
The Direct Enrollment pathway provides a clear path into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Students admitted through Direct Enrollment secure their place in the nursing major once they complete the seven prerequisites and meet program standards.
All applicants complete the Common Application by the early action deadline.
- Most students complete their seven prerequisite courses during their first year at Ohio State and begin nursing courses their second year.
- Some students complete all seven prerequisites in high school and may be eligible to start nursing courses in their first year; these students will complete a short survey in addition to the Common Application.
Direct Enrollment allows students to focus on coursework and prepares them for a career in nursing.
Application cycle
This program admits students once per year for the Autumn semester.
Eligibility requirements
- Be in the top 5% of your high school class ranking
- ACT Math score ≥ 26 (SAT Math ≥ 610)
- Be admitted to Ohio State’s Columbus campus as a pre-nursing student
- Applicants must be 18 years of age by Oct.1 of the autumn semester of your first clinical course
If your high school does not track class rank, or you want guidance on a strong high school math curriculum, contact Undergraduate Admissions.
To remain in the Direct Enrollment BSN program, students must meet all progression requirements by the end of spring semester in their first year. A one-year extension may be granted; contact your advisor if an extension is needed.
Requirements
Students must:
- Complete at least 30 undergraduate credit hours by the end of spring semester, including:
- Transferred college credit
- Credit earned during high school
- Advanced Placement (AP) credit
- Maintain an Ohio State cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Complete all seven BSN prerequisite courses with a grade of C+ or higher
Grading and credit
- If a course is taken at an institution without a +/- grading scale, a B or higher is required to satisfy the prerequisite.
- AP credit can be used to fulfill prerequisite requirements.
- Official transcripts and/or AP scores must be sent to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions for credit to count.
Timeline for verification
- The Undergraduate Admissions Committee verifies progression criteria after final spring semester grades are posted.
- Refer to the University Registrar’s important dates for official grade submission deadlines.
1. Application deadline
- Submit your application and all required materials by the posted deadline.
2. Admission decision
- Decisions are released in mid February.
- If admitted, you will receive a virtual admissions packet with next steps.
- Admission decisions for Direct Enrollment are final.
If not admitted
- You will still maintain your admission to the university as a pre-nursing student
- You may submit an application for the BSN program during your first year.
How to apply
- Submit the Common Application online by the early action deadline set by Ohio State
- Select "Nursing (Pre)" as your intended major.
Applicants who completed all prerequisites in high school
Complete the Direct Enrollment applicant survey after submitting the Common Application.