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.
Application Deadline
Autumn 2026
Opens: October 1, 2025
Deadline: February 1, 2026
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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
Comparing BSN Pathways
There are three different pathways for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, each with their own application. 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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| Senior Year (high school) |
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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) |
N/A (students expected to graduate in 3rd year) |
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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.
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:
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!
