Browse the Top Online RN to MSN Programs in OH
If you’re an Ohio RN looking to specialize your training through a graduate program and apply for higher-paying jobs, you may want to earn your MSN. In Ohio, online and hybrid programs make the transition from RN to MSN convenient and often more affordable than traditional MSN programs. Below, find details on how bridge programs work, how long they will take to complete, and what the potential earnings are after graduation. Read on to see if an online RN to MSN program in Ohio will be a good fit for you.
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An Overview of Online RN to MSN Degrees in Ohio
In Ohio, there are two schools which offer entirely online, accredited RN to MSN programs. These programs are made for working nurses, and will consider your work experience as part of your clinical education towards your MSN. However, RN to MSN programs in general are relatively rare, as are fully online nursing degrees, meaning these two are the only such accredited programs in the state.
We’ve given you some more detail on the two online RN to MSN programs in Ohio, plus a high-quality in person RN to MSN program, to give you an idea of what you can expect if you choose to apply. Read on for more details, and see if one might be a fit for you:
Franklin University
Franklin University’s fully online RN to MSN program offers more opportunities for specialization than any other program in Ohio. Students looking to focus on fields like family nursing, adult gerontology, or psychiatric nursing have ample opportunities to gain relevant knowledge and skills. This RN to MSN program offers flexible scheduling designed for working nurses.
Notably, there is no clinical component to this program. Since students are already working as nurses, their work on the job can count as their clinical time rather than having to juggle another time commitment. The RN to MSN program at Franklin University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $289/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Current, unencumbered nursing license
Curriculum: Below is the Curriculum for the Generalist specialization, however, the school offers specializations in Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Administration, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Educator.
- Essentials of Professional Nursing (Bridge Course)
- Role of the Master’s Prepared Nurse
- Population Focused Care
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Healthcare Delivery Systems
- Health Policy
- Advanced Physical Assessment
- Evidence Based Practice and Quality Improvement
- MSN Capstone
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Mercy College
Private Catholic nursing institution Mercy College’s online RN to MSN program is designed for working nurses, particularly those whose prior nursing education enables them to enter the program with some transfer credit. The program offers two different “pathways,” and which is best for you will depend on your prior academic and work experience. Once enrolled, you will be studying advanced nursing topics, including healthcare policy, pharmacology, and evidence-based nursing, as well as nurse leadership and nursing education. The program concludes with two practicum courses and two capstones, in education and leadership topics.
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Mode: Online
Cost: $675/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Associate degree or diploma in nursing from an accredited institution
- GPA of 3.0 or higher (2.0 or higher on their Pathway 2 option)
- Active, unencumbered RN license
- Professional CV or resume
Curriculum:
- Transitions in Professional Nursing
- Nursing Informatics
- Population Health Assessment
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Current Issues in Nursing
- RN to MSN Bridge Course
- Theoretical Foundations for Professional Nursing
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Healthcare Policy in the Global Community
- Population-Based Healthcare
- Informatics and Healthcare Technologies
- Leadership and Strategic Management for Advanced Nursing Roles
- Healthcare Systems and Organization for Nurse Leaders
- Strategic Management of Human Resources
- Financial Management in Healthcare
- Leadership Capstone
- Leadership Practicum
- Teaching and Learning Strategies in Nursing Education
- Advanced Nursing Curriculum Design
- Evaluating Methods in Nursing Education
- Integrated Advanced Pathophysiology, Physical Assessment, and Pharmacology
- Education Capstone
- Education Practicum
Ursuline College
Ursuline College’s RN to MSN program is one of the top in-person programs in Ohio. In 2021, the National League for Nursing named the college one of 10 Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education nationwide. In addition, the school partners with top Cleveland hospitals for student clinicals and boasts a world-class faculty. There are five specializations to choose from: Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nursing, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Leadership, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Ursuline’s student-centered approach paid off in 2019, with every graduate of Ursuline’s RN program passing the NCLEX. The school also consistently boasts a 100% post-licensure job placement rate. Additionally, the program is accredited by the CCNE and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Duration: 12 to 18 months
Mode: In person/Hybrid
Cost: $360 – $1,274/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Valid and current nursing license
- $25 application fee
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Official transcripts
Curriculum:
- Basic Nutrition
- Bioethics
- Lifespan Development
- Pathophysiologic Foundations for Nursing Practice
- Foundations of Holistic Nursing Practice
- Holistic Nursing Practice: Health Assessment of the Adult
- Professional Nursing Practice with Adults
- Professional Nursing Practice for Childbearing and Childrearing Families
- Professional Nursing Practice with Populations
- Integrated Professional Nursing Practice
- Professional Nursing Practice for Persons with Complex Psychiatric Needs
- Professional Nursing Practice for Critically Ill Adults
- Health Care Informatics
- Advance Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Health Promotion, Maintenance, and Restoration
- Health Care Policies
- Health Care Organization and Finance
- Advanced Practice Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
FAQs Concerning RN to MSN Online Programs
It’s natural to have a few questions before applying for, or beginning, your RN to MSN program. In fact, most students in your position do. To that end, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions for RN to MSN students and their answers.
Can I earn my MSN in Ohio completely online?
You sure can. Unlike many online programs, both of Ohio’s online RN to MSN programs can be completed 100% online and don’t require in-person clinical experiences, labs, or exams. Since the RN to MSN programs at Franklin University and Mercy College are geared toward working nurses, you’ll constantly be applying your new knowledge and skills on the job. Exemption from in-person campus visits and clinicals alleviates stress for students trying to balance work, school, and other responsibilities.
Do employers in Ohio accept graduates from online RN to MSN programs?
Yes. Since Ohio’s online RN to MSN programs are accredited, employers can be sure that the quality of your online education is on par with that of students who attended in-person programs. Your choice to attend school online won’t limit your potential to advance your career. However, you may want to do some in-person networking alongside your online education to grow your professional network as you prepare to apply for advanced nursing jobs.
How do I go from being an RN to an MSN nurse in Ohio once I’ve completed my program?
Once you’ve completed your MSN degree, if you already have an Ohio nursing license, you’re ready to work as an advanced practice nurse in Ohio. If you don’t have your Ohio license, you’ll need to submit the following:
- Your NCLEX exam scores
- Nursing licensure by examination application
- A $75 application fee
- A program completion letter from your school
- A clean background check
The Ohio Board of Nursing provides all the information you need to prepare your application for a new license or renewal.
How much more does an MSN nurse make in Ohio?
Because your MSN degree creates options for specialization, you’ll be eligible for higher-paying positions. As of October 2022, the average RN in Ohio earns $53,368 annually; by comparison, a nurse with an MSN in Ohio enjoys an average salary of $156,243. Some higher-earning specialties for MSN nurses in Ohio include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. Salaries for nurses in these areas range from $112,490 to $187,410.
What’s the job market like for registered nurses with an MSN in Ohio?
Once you finish your program, you’ll have plenty of career opportunities to consider. The demand for MSN nurses, particularly nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, is exploding nationwide, and the demand for MSN nurses is expected to grow by over 40% by 2031. Demand for MSN nurses in Ohio is expected to match this national demand, and state predictions are for a 48.5% growth in nurse practitioner positions by 2028.
Ohio RN vs. MSN: A Comparison of Salary & Career Prospects
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | $64,480 | $79,940 | $105,380 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Ohio | $101,400 | $123,690 | $152,040 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Occupation ↕ | Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | Ohio | 131,390 | 135,860 | 4,470 | 3.40% | 7,630 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
