MSN Degrees Online in OH: Evaluating Top Programs

Exploring Ohio’s Online MSN Schools

When choosing an MSN program in Ohio, you should do your due diligence to ensure that the school and coursework are a good fit for you. You can use several factors to help you narrow down your selection, from the length of the program to the specializations available. However, top MSN programs share some common characteristics and qualities. You’ll want to be sure that whatever program you choose is a state-approved, nationally accredited nursing school boasting high NCLEX pass rates and clinical training opportunities.

Many MSN programs in Ohio, including the schools listed below, offer at least some of the coursework online. Depending on the program, learning may be offered in a synchronous or asynchronous format. In addition, you should generally expect to attend some clinical trainings in-person. In the following program spotlights, you’ll learn about the key characteristics of some high-quality online MSN programs.

Frequently Asked Questions from Ohio MSN Students

It’s normal to have questions as you research schools and plan out your career trajectory. In the section below, we’ve done our best to answer some common questions and concerns that prospective students like you might have.

What jobs can you get with an MSN from an Ohio school?

An MSN degree can prepare students for a range of careers, including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. It can also pave the way for other advanced careers like nursing administration, nurse educators and nursing clinical specialization, forensic nursing, and nursing informatics. At Ohio State University, for example, MSN students can specialize in concentrations like neonatal nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.

Through dual master’s programs, like Capital University’s MSN/MBA program, students can be prepared for healthcare leadership positions. An MSN can also lead to further academic study, such as obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

How long is an MSN program in Ohio and how much does it cost?

The length of your studies depends on several factors: your specialization, part-time vs. full-time work, clinical hours, and more. In Ohio, you could earn an MSN degree in as little as five semesters in an accelerated MSN program, such as the program offered at the University of Cincinnati. On average, you should expect programs to take anywhere from 24 to 27 months.

Typically, a BSN to MSN program, like that offered at Ohio State University, will take about four full-time semesters. Meanwhile, an RN to MSN bridge program, like at Mercy College of Ohio, could take up to six full-time semesters.

The cost of an MSN program varies depending on the type of school, the type of MSN program (direct entry vs. standard MSN vs. accelerated), where you live, how long it takes you, and how much funding you’ve secured. Take a look at our guide to some of the most affordable MSN programs available to potential students like you.

Do employers in Ohio accept graduates from online MSN programs?

Ohio employers are frequently seeking graduates from online MSN programs, especially given the demand for nurses in the state. You’ll want to be sure that your nursing program is accredited by ACEN or CCNE and that you complete the clinical training requirements. Some schools, like Ohio State University, for example, have strong partnerships with teaching hospitals that can help you once you graduate. In many cases, your degree won’t specify how you earned your degree, so as long as you choose a quality program, it should not be an issue.

Are MSN nurses in high demand in Ohio?

Given Ohio’s abysmal health picture and noting that the need for master’s-educated nurses is growing in the U.S., it’s quite obvious that the state will see an increasing demand for MSN graduates. The BLS estimates that the state’s employment rate for nurse practitioners will increase by 49% over the next decade, which is faster than the national average.

There’s also a growing demand for nurse educators as the demand for a BSN degree increases. Currently, many schools face a shortage of faculty or clinical instructors. Whether you want to become a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, or something else, there will be no shortage of openings in the state in the years to come.

What requirements do I need to apply for admission to MSN programs in Ohio?

Individual requirements vary slightly from school to school, but many of the basic prerequisites and admissions materials are the same. Here’s what you should expect to have when applying to an MSN program in Ohio:

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally accredited institution (this doesn’t apply to direct entry programs like at Xavier University)
• Letters of recommendation
• RN licensure from an approved state
• Resume or CV
• An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher

In addition, each school may have its own requirements, like an application fee or an admission interview. Be sure to check the specific program website for which you intend to apply.

Ohio’s Best-Ranked Online MSN Programs

Not all MSN programs are created equally, so to help you find a school that’s worthy of your time and money, we’ve developed a comprehensive ranking system. Our ranking system utilizes data pulled from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and gives a weight to a variety of metrics such as percentage of online courses, tuition, and student/faculty ratio. The schools listed below offer an ideal combination of flexible learning, affordable tuition, and high-quality teaching.

Types of MSN Programs in Ohio

Earning an MSN degree is an exciting prospect because there are many options depending on your education, work experience, and future goals. Whether you already hold a BSN or are changing careers, there’s an MSN program for you. Below are some of the most common examples in Ohio.

Traditional MSN

This is the traditional route for students who have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) as well as nursing experience. An MSN is designed to build on a student’s established nursing foundation and equip nurses to advance to leadership or more specialized roles, such as family nurse practitioner.

• Ohio State University
• Kent State University

Direct-Entry MSN

A direct entry MSN program is for students who have a bachelor’s degree in another area that’s not a BSN and who wish to become a registered nurse. Graduates of these programs can sit for the NCLEX–RN exam and can continue to advanced practice roles, while others decide to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

• Xavier University
• University of Toledo

Accelerated MSN

Accelerated MSN programs allow students to complete their MSN degree as quickly as possible and is helpful for those who are looking to switch career paths and hoping to do so in a short amount of time. These programs run continually and do not typically offer extended breaks between semesters, as you’ll find in traditional programs.

• University of Cincinnati
• Chamberlain University

RN to MSN Bridge

RN to MSN Bridge programs allow students with an associate degree or diploma in nursing who have their RN license to pursue an MSN degree, bypassing a BSN program. This saves time and money for registered nurses who want an advanced degree.

• Mercy College of Ohio
• Ursuline College

Dual Master’s

Dual master’s degree options are great for students who want to extend their expertise in other fields along with nursing, such as law, business, or theological studies. Combination MSN/JD and MSN/MBA programs, for example, allow you to get master’s degrees in both fields in a shorter period and prepare you for upper-level leadership positions in healthcare.

• Capital University
• Kent State University

Salary & Career Details for Nurse Practitioners in Ohio