Ohio State’s nursing program ranks #1 among public institutions (and #4 overall) by U.S. News, with clinical training at the OSU Wexner Medical Center — an elite, top-ranked path into nursing for second-degree students.
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (aBSN) at Ohio State University is for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to become registered nurses. Launched in 2024, the intensive, full-time program can be completed in as few as 18 months across five consecutive semesters, and it carries the weight of a program ranked #1 among public institutions and #4 overall by U.S. News & World Report.
Coursework blends online and in-person learning with hands-on clinical experience at leading healthcare facilities, including The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. The program admits one cohort per year for the summer semester, and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
Admissions
Application Deadlines
The aBSN program admits students once per year for the summer semester. For the Summer 2026 cycle, applications open October 15, 2025 and close January 9, 2026.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree (if in progress, it must be conferred before the program begins) with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, reviewed by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. The program does not admit students who already hold a nursing diploma, an Associate Degree in Nursing, or a bachelor’s degree earned outside the United States. All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of B− or better by the application deadline (a B is required where institutions don’t use +/−; AP scores of 3 or higher count for chemistry and psychology).
How to Apply
Prospective students submit an online application with embedded essay questions, a personal statement, and official transcripts by the deadline; international students must provide English-proficiency test scores. Applications are reviewed by the Graduate and Professional Admissions Office, which also evaluates course equivalencies. Prerequisite coursework may be completed at Ohio State as a non-degree (Extended Education) student; do not submit transcripts for coursework completed at Ohio State.
Prerequisite Courses
Six prerequisites are required (Ohio State equivalents noted), each with a lab where indicated:
- Human Anatomy — lab required, all body systems, 3 credits (ANATOMY 2300/3300, EEOB 2510 or 2511)
- Human Physiology — all body systems, 3 credits (EEOB 2520, PHR 3100, PHYSIO 3101/3102/3200)
- Human Nutrition — lifespan focus, 2-3 credits (HUMNUT 2210, HUMNNTR 2310 or 2410)
- Microbiology — lab required, 3 credits (MICRBIO 4000.01 or 4000.02)
- Psychology
- Chemistry
Curriculum
The aBSN spans five consecutive semesters and 59 credit hours, combining online and in-person coursework with clinical practice.
Semester 1
N2105 Introduction to Professional Nursing Practice
Covers personal and professional topics to support a smooth transition into the nursing profession in a rapidly evolving healthcare setting.
N2451 Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology I
Introduces fundamental concepts of pathophysiology and pharmacology as a scientific base for nursing practice.
N3275 Adult Nursing I
Focuses on nursing knowledge and clinical skills needed to care for adults with acute and chronic health conditions across the lifespan.
N5115 Mindstrong
A resilience and well-being course that equips nursing students with evidence-based cognitive and behavioral strategies to manage stress and support mental health throughout the demands of the program and professional practice.
Semester 2
N2782 Foundational Principles of Evidence-Based Practice and Nursing Science
Introduces evidence-based practice (EBP) principles, research methodologies, and critical appraisal skills to improve healthcare practice and outcomes.
N3276 Adult Nursing II
Expands on nursing knowledge and clinical practice for adults and older adults facing acute and critical health conditions.
N2452 Nursing Pathophysiology and Pharmacology II
Explores applied pathophysiology and pharmacology concepts as a scientific foundation for nursing practice.
N2420 A Nursing Perspective: Life Span Development of Individuals Within a Family Context
Examines human growth and development within a family context, from conception to death, emphasizing assessment and nursing interventions.
Semester 3
N4341 Nursing Clinical Judgement in the Care of Psychiatric and Mental Health Conditions
Develops clinical judgment skills for assessing and managing psychiatric and mental health conditions.
N4240S Concepts in Community Health Nursing
Applies community health nursing principles to the care of individuals, families, groups, and populations.
N3430 Cultural Competence in Health Care: US and Global Contexts
Explores cultural competence strategies for providing effective healthcare in diverse U.S. and global settings.
Semester 4
N3260 Nursing Care of Children & Their Families
Covers nursing knowledge and clinical skills for caring for children and their families.
N3280 Nursing Care of Women and Families During Reproductive Transitions
Focuses on nursing care for women and their families during reproductive transitions.
N4401 Innovative Strategies in Leadership and Systems-Based Practice
Explores leadership and management principles and systems-based approaches in various healthcare settings.
Semester 5
N4590 Practicum for the Utilization of Nursing Clinical Judgement
Provides a full practicum experience to support the transition into professional nursing practice.
N4402 Synthesis of Nursing Practice and Patient Care in Complex Healthcare Systems
Prepares students for professional nursing practice in complex healthcare systems.
N4525 Quality, Safety and Informatics
Covers advanced concepts in collaboration, leadership, and quality improvement in healthcare, emphasizing informatics and technology integration.
More detail is available on the ABSN curriculum page.
Clinical Training
Students gain hands-on clinical experience across diverse healthcare settings, including The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, learning in nationally recognized nursing and simulation environments. Many students who work at the medical center as patient care associates pursue the aBSN as a pathway to RN roles within the OSU system, and some receive employer tuition support.
Tuition
Ohio State bills the aBSN by term, and the program runs five terms — so the full program cost is well above any single term’s charge. Per-term direct costs include:
- Full-time tuition: ~$16,250 per term
- Technology fee: ~$320 per term
- Nursing program fee: ~$825 per term
- Academic service fee: ~$300 per term
Across five terms, tuition and fees total roughly $88,000-$90,000 at these rates, before housing and living expenses (on-campus housing runs about $1,200 per month). Costs vary by residency status and are subject to change, so confirm current figures directly with the university.
See the official program page and Ohio State’s tuition resources for details.
Accreditation and Outcomes
The baccalaureate nursing program at The Ohio State University College of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and ranks #1 among public institutions and #4 overall by U.S. News & World Report. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and pursue careers across hospitals, clinics, community health, and specialty settings.