RN to BSN

The RN to BSN option (offered online only) is designed for nurses who have completed an associate degree or diploma in nursing from an institution with accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Through collaboration with Ohio State’s regional campuses and the introduction of CARMEN, the university’s new distance learning system, the RN to BSN program is now able to reach beyond central Ohio. This allows students greater flexibility to work, meet family responsibilities, and study while earning a BSN in their local communities.

Program Description

The program requires a total of 120 semester hours, including prerequisite, general education, and nursing courses. Some of the course work can be earned through previous courses taken at institutions of higher education, and/or associate or diploma nursing programs. A minimum of 30 semester hours must be completed at Ohio State in order for degree conferment.

Prerequisites

The prerequisites may have been completed within the previous educational experience of the registered nurse. Any outstanding prerequisites must be completed by the year of application and before beginning the nursing courses.

Nursing courses and general education 

Students can access all required nursing courses online, allowing them more flexibility and convenience. The clinical nursing courses are tailored to registered nurses’ previous experiences and can be completed near home. Other non-nursing courses necessary for the baccalaureate degree can be fulfilled at any of the Ohio State campuses. These include additional courses in composition, math, history and humanities. 

Application

Admission is competitive and selective. 

Learn more 

For additional information about the RN to BSN program and next steps, prospective students should visit the Ohio State College of Nursing website or contact the RN to BSN program office directly (rnbsn@osu.edu or 614-292-4041).

Students interested in taking prerequisite or General Education courses on the Newark campus should first confirm course requirements with the RN to BSN program office and then contact the Ohio State Newark advising office at 740-366-9333.

All questions regarding admission to the RN to BSN program, transfer credit evaluations and program details should be directed to the Ohio College of Nursing RN to BSN program (rnbsn@osu.edu or 614-292-4041) or to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions (gpadmissions@osu.edu or 614-292-9444).

If a prospective student has not earned an associate degree or diploma in nursing, they can begin the four-year Bachelor of Nursing degree.