For our 2024 rankings, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac collected data on nearly 3,000 nursing schools and campuses throughout the United States. We evaluated each school on three dimensions:
Ohio
We've organized a comprehensive list of Ohio nursing schools. Below you'll find information on specific nursing programs such as LPN certificates and ADN, BSN, and MSN degrees. You'll also find a profile of nursing education and careers in each major Ohio city.
For our 2024 rankings of prelicensure BSN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of bachelor’s degree programs.
For our 2024 rankings of ADN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Aspiring registered nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-RN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of associate degree programs.
For our 2024 rankings of LPN programs, the research team at Nursing Schools Almanac compiled an extensive database of student performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Aspiring practical nurses in the United States must pass this examination before they may commence practice. Thus, student performance on the NCLEX-PN exam provides an excellent benchmark for comparing the relative quality of practical nursing programs.
The Cincinnati metropolitan area is home to well over a dozen accredited nursing schools, offering a broad range of degree and certificate programs. Prospective students should carefully select the nursing role and corresponding education pathway that most appeals to them.
Ohio nursing programs and careers
City-specific information
Nursing is the largest profession in Ohio. The state is home to more than 240,000 licensed nursing professionals. The vast majority of these nurses fill one of three roles: registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA). The education and licensure requirements, and the underlying job responsibilities, vary substantially by role.
A rewarding nursing career begins with a degree, diploma, or certificate from an accredited nursing school. Fortunately, the Salem-East Liverpool area of Ohio offers easy access to accredited schools with a breadth of nursing programs. Some noteworthy options include Kent State University’s Columbiana County campus, Columbiana County Career & Technical Center (CCCTC), and the Hannah E. Mullins School of Practical Nursing (HEMSPN).
Youngstown has a thriving local nursing profession. The city’s major nursing employers include Mercy Health, Akron Children’s Hospital, and the state of Ohio. These healthcare providers employ three primary nursing roles: registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA).
The nursing profession in Toledo, Ohio, offers several distinct points of entry. Each nursing role carries a unique set of responsibilities, educational requirements, and compensation.
Registered nurse (RN)
The Dayton metropolitan area is home to over a dozen accredited nursing schools, including a mix of both public and private institutions. These schools offer nursing programs that prepare students for three primary nursing roles: registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), and certified nursing assistant (CNA).
Ohio will see a significant increase in nursing jobs as the healthcare industry rapidly expands over the coming years. Aspiring nurses in Canton, Ohio, can select from several distinct career paths. Each nursing role carries unique responsibilities, educational requirements, and career prospects.
Nursing roles
Akron offers many great programs for students interested in a nursing career. With the rapid growth of the healthcare industry, graduates can look forward to exciting job opportunities at a number of local healthcare organizations. To begin your nursing career, it is important to understand the various nursing roles and the certifications each role requires to practice.
Nursing careers
Healthcare is a rapidly growing employment sector. Ohio alone employs more than 240,000 individuals in the nursing industry. Roughly half of these are registered nurses (RNs), who make independent patient care decisions under the guidance of a physician. Ohio’s RNs typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. RNs frequently manage teams of more junior nurses, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). There are approximately 40,000 LPNs and 70,000 CNAs in Ohio, earning a median annual salary of $40,000 and $24,000, respectively.
Private schools are not administered by the local, state, or federal government, and they receive no direct government funding. Private colleges generally have smaller class sizes than their public counterparts, enabling closer interaction with classmates and professors. Many private schools do charge high tuition, but students with strong academic records or significant needs can access financial assistance programs, including grants and merit scholarships. In addition, private schools are often prestigious, providing students an advantage in the job market after graduation.
Public colleges are funded in large part by government funds. One perk of attending public college is lower tuition and fees, particularly for state or county residents, which translates into lower student debt for graduates. Public schools often have a higher admittance rate, making them more accessible. In addition, public colleges are generally larger in size, leading to a diverse student body and a large number of student clubs and social events.