Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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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
The 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, 202-887-6791. 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 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 122 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 | Direct Enrollment Pathway | Traditional Pathway | |
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1st Year |
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2nd Year |
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If standards are met ...
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If accepted to Traditional BSN program ...
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3rd Year |
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| 4th Year (Ohio State) |
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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 2025
Opens: October 1
Deadline: February 1, 2025
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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!
