Direct Admission BSN program
Secure your place in one of the top Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs in the nation.
Direct Admission to Ohio State's BSN program
Secure your place in Ohio State's Bachelor of Science (BSN) program through the Direct Admission pathway. Direct Admission students begin their academic journey with the confidence of knowing they have secured a place in one of the nation's leading nursing programs. Ohio State nursing students gain access to hands-on clinical experiences, expert faculty mentorship and opportunities to learn in innovative healthcare environments.
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.
Application cycle
This program admits students once per year for the Autumn semester.
Admission requirements for the Direct Admission BSN program
- Be in the top 10% 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
- Complete your Common Application by the early action deadline
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 Admission pathway in our BSN program, students must meet all progression requirements by the end of spring semester in their first year.
Requirements
Students must:
- Complete at least 30 undergraduate credit hours by the end of spring semester, including:
- Transferred college credit
- College 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
- Maintain enrollment at Ohio State in autumn and spring semester
A one-year extension may be granted; contact your advisor if an extension is needed.
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.
- Deadline
- Submit your application and all required materials by the posted deadline.
- Decision
- Released by the end of 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 to the Direct Admission program
- 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 this survey after submitting the Common Application.