Columbus State Community College Nursing: Programs, NCLEX & Requirements (2026)
Downtown Columbus, Ohio, public community college with ADN, LPN, CNA, and online RN-to-BSN completion. HESI A2 and published first-time NCLEX outcomes are summarized from Columbus State and Ohio Board of Nursing materials—confirm every deadline with CSCC Nursing and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Columbus State and OhioHealth announced a major partnership to expand nursing and allied health training in Central Ohio—a differentiator for clinical-scale investment and workforce pipelines. Pair that with Columbus State’s published first-time NCLEX-RN outcomes and regional hospital density, and many students short-list CSCC for affordable pre-licensure pathways plus an online RN-to-BSN finish.
Overview & Why Students Choose Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Community College is a large public community college headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with additional locations in Delaware County and regional learning centers. The Nursing Department emphasizes affordable entry into nursing—from Nurse Aide (CNA) through LPN and a five-semester Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates to apply for the NCLEX-RN—plus an online RN-to-BSN completion option for licensed RNs who already hold an associate degree.
Admission to pre-licensure nursing is competitive: Columbus State ranks applicants using college GPA and HESI A2 scores, requires a completed nursing information session, and publishes separate application windows for traditional versus blended ADN tracks. Use this page as orientation, then follow the official application system and Health Sciences advising.
Columbus State’s ADN accreditation outcomes page lists a 99.45% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024, measured for first-time test takers. The Ohio Board of Nursing’s Calendar Year 2024 NCLEX Pass Rate Report (March 11, 2025 memo) reports an Ohio average first-time RN pass rate of 89.55% and a national average of 91.16% for the same year—use those figures only as Ohio-published benchmarks. Confirm the latest school-specific rates with the Ohio Board of Nursing annual reports and Columbus State’s ADN accreditation / outcomes page.
Reasons students choose Columbus State Community College
Published NCLEX-RN performance
The ADN program publishes a strong first-time NCLEX-RN percentage for calendar year 2024 on its accreditation page, with state and national context available from the Ohio BON’s annual report.
Multiple entry pathways
Students can stack credentials (CNA → ADN), pursue a part-time LPN route, or enter advanced standing if they are an LPN, paramedic, or military medic with evaluated credit.
OhioHealth partnership
Columbus State highlights a major workforce partnership with OhioHealth to expand clinical training capacity in Central Ohio—useful context for clinical pipeline planning.
Low published tuition band
Columbus State advertises among the lowest credit-hour tuition in the region for Ohio residents and posts non-Ohio and international rates separately.
Finish the BSN online
The college offers an online RN-to-BSN completion for working RNs—separate from pre-licensure ADN coursework.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following pathways are described on Columbus State’s nursing homepage and linked department pages. Pre-licensure programs prepare you for Ohio licensure exams (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN). Post-licensure options require you to already be—or become—an RN before BSN completion coursework.
Pre-licensure & entry credentials
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing: five-semester program after prerequisites; traditional or blended delivery; NCLEX-RN eligibility after completion. Advanced standing is available for qualified LPNs, paramedics, and military medics via individual evaluation.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate
Part-time evening and weekend practical nursing program preparing graduates for NCLEX-PN.
Nurse Aide (CNA)
Single-course NURC 1001 certificate to sit for Ohio CNA/STNA testing; often a prerequisite step before ADN application.
Post-licensure
RN-to-BSN completion
Bachelor of Science in Nursing–Completion: fully online BSN for licensed RNs who have completed an ADN; part- and full-time options per the nursing homepage.
Columbus State also lists additional nursing-related certificates on its nursing landing page; confirm titles, credits, and licensure relevance in the current catalog. This guide does not list graduate nursing degrees—CSCC is primarily a community college with an RN-to-BSN completion baccalaureate offering.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
For Registered Nursing (RN) programs, Columbus State publishes first-time NCLEX-RN performance on its ADN accreditation page: 99.45% for calendar year 2024 first-time test takers. The Ohio Board of Nursing’s Calendar Year 2024 NCLEX Pass Rate Report summarizes statewide RN context (Ohio average 89.55% first-time; national 91.16% per the March 11, 2025 Board memo). For program-level detail and cohort counts, download the full PDF from the Board’s annual reports hub and cross-check Columbus State’s disclosures.
NCLEX-PN (practical nursing)
Columbus State’s practical nursing accreditation page includes a table for first-time NCLEX-PN test takers: for the window December 2023 – May 2024, Columbus State lists a reported CSCC pass rate of 100% and cites a state of Ohio average of 78.92% in that table heading. Treat PN percentages as school-published, window-specific; confirm current PN cohort results with Columbus State and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (CY 2024) | 99.45% — Columbus State ADN student achievement data |
| Ohio RN first-time average (CY 2024) | 89.55% — Ohio Board of Nursing NCLEX report (national 91.16% cited in same memo) |
| NCLEX-PN first-time (Dec 2023 – May 2024, school table) | Reported 100% CSCC pass rate vs. 78.92% Ohio average in Columbus State table — confirm methodology with school/Board |
| Source | Columbus State — ADN accreditation / outcomes; Columbus State — LPN outcomes; Ohio Board of Nursing — annual / NCLEX reports (CY 2024 pass rate PDF). Confirm current data with the school and the Board. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort. Always confirm the latest pass rates with the Ohio Board of Nursing and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
Requirements for international students and internationally educated nurses vary by institution and state. Use the points below as a checklist; verify everything with Columbus State Community College and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
- English-language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or other requirements and minimum scores for this school.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: WES, CGFNS, or other evaluators required by the school.
- Ohio Board of Nursing: For RN licensure (with or without a U.S. degree), confirm NCLEX eligibility and document requirements with the Board.
- Immigration & visa: Program eligibility for F-1 or other visa types and impact on clinical placements.
Policies change frequently. Verify with Columbus State Community College’s international office and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Columbus State’s RN nursing admissions page describes limited-seat, competitive admission using GPA and HESI A2 exam results. Applicants choose either the traditional (mostly in-person) or blended (online courses plus in-person labs/clinicals) track for each cycle—only one track per application period.
Application timeline
These windows appeared on the admissions page as of our review—verify the live page before you apply.
| Entry Term | Application window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 ADN start | Feb 9, 2026 9:00 a.m. – Mar 9, 2026 3:00 p.m. | Notifications to Columbus State student email within about 4–6 weeks after close. |
| Spring 2027 ADN start | Jun 8, 2026 9:00 a.m. – Jul 13, 2026 3:00 p.m. | Same notification timeline published by the college. |
| Advanced standing (example: Summer 2026 / Autumn 2026) | Matches the RN application schedule posted for those entry terms | Requires the advanced standing information session. |
| Nursing transfer evaluation | Applications accepted year-round | Separate PDF policy for students transferring from another nursing program. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (ADN) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA | College GPA ≥ 2.6 (Columbus State GPA used when available); high school GPA ≥ 2.6 or ACT composite ≥ 18 if no college GPA (ACT within 4 years). |
| HESI A2 | Required; minimum composite 75 on the Evolve Reach Admission Assessment; scores must be from Columbus State testing and within 4 years of application. |
| TEAS | Not used for Columbus State RN admission—use HESI. |
| CNA / NURC 1001 | NURC 1001 grade C or better within 5 years (or eligible N-credit); updated STNA/work-experience rules effective Jan 15, 2024. |
| Other | Online information session; placement into or completion path for STAT 1350; Social Security number required before nursing coursework. |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Columbus State publishes per-credit instructional + general fees for Autumn 2025 – Spring 2026 on its main tuition page, and links to a detailed fee PDF. Figures below are tuition and general fees only; add technology/course/health/program fees as applicable.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Ohio resident (per credit) | $192.93 total ($172.43 instructional + $20.50 general) |
| Non-Ohio U.S. resident (per credit) | $394.59 total ($363.59 instructional + $31.00 general) |
| International (per credit) | $468.15 total ($429.65 instructional + $38.50 general) |
| Full-time snapshot (Ohio resident) | College cites about $5,788 for 30 credit hours (≈ academic year) on the same page. |
| Nursing testing example | Institutional disclosure lists a $65 HESI A2 fee line (curriculum code 5100). |
| Source | Columbus State — Tuition & Fees; Consumer information / fee inventory. Confirm current amounts with the Bursar. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Columbus State publishes nursing student achievement data on its ADN and LPN accreditation pages. Use these as snapshots, then confirm definitions (first-time vs. all testers, calendar year vs. academic year) with the school and Ohio regulators.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass (CY 2024) | 99.45% — Columbus State ADN accreditation page |
| ADN program completion (AY 2024/2025) | 47.1% — defined as completing in five semesters from first nursing course (school disclosure) |
| Employment as RN within 6 months (AY 2023/2024) | 94.6% — school-reported; confirm methodology and cohort with Columbus State |
| Source | Columbus State ADN accreditation / outcomes. Confirm current figures with the Nursing Department and the Ohio Board of Nursing. |
Is Columbus State Community College the Right Fit for You?
Columbus State is a strong option if you want lower published tuition, multiple nursing entry points, and access to Central Ohio clinical volume. It may be less ideal if you need a traditional four-year BSN without first completing an ADN, or if you cannot meet HESI, GPA, and time-bound application windows.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want an ACEN-accredited ADN with transparent NCLEX reporting and Ohio BON approval.
- Need part-time LPN evening/weekend scheduling while entering health care.
- Plan to work in Columbus and value OhioHealth-scale partnerships and hospital density.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect a direct, four-year on-campus BSN without prior RN licensure (consider Ohio universities or CSCC’s ADN + RN-to-BSN path).
- Cannot complete clinical clearance requirements (background checks, drug screens, health mandates) required by partner hospitals.
- Prefer highly flexible rolling admission—nursing uses fixed windows and competitive ranking.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Columbus is Ohio’s largest city and a regional referral hub. Columbus State describes broad clinical placements across acute, intermediate, chronic, and community settings—specific contracts rotate, but students should expect partners such as OhioHealth, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and other central Ohio systems for rotations.
| Facility / system | Relevance |
|---|---|
| OhioHealth | Major Columbus-based health system; Columbus State publicizes a large multi-profession partnership investment. |
| Ohio State Wexner Medical Center | Academic medical center and Level I trauma resources; prominent for complex care exposure. |
| Nationwide Children’s Hospital | Pediatric quaternary care—useful pediatric specialty milieu regionally. |
| Mount Carmel Health | Significant Columbus network; aligns with other Columbus nursing programs’ ecosystems. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing students complete coursework at Columbus State’s Columbus Campus (Discovery District) and may use additional locations such as the Dublin Regional Learning Center for select certificates. The college emphasizes skills labs and diverse clinical sites; Student Central (Madison Hall) handles many enrollment and aid questions, while Health Sciences Pathway Advising supports pre-nursing planning.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Columbus, OH
- Address
- 550 East Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215, US
- Telephone
- +1-614-287-5353
- General email
- information@cscc.edu
- RN program email
- rnadmissions@cscc.edu (published for ADN questions)
- Website
- cscc.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Visit the official Columbus State Community College nursing website and download the current program brochure or student handbook if available.
- Review the prerequisite course list in the school catalog and compare it to your transcripts.
- Schedule the HESI A2 through Columbus State’s published process (TEAS is not the required exam for CSCC RN admission). Aim for the minimum score on file before the application opens.
- Draft a list of questions for an admissions counselor or the nursing program advising office.
- Reach out to current nursing students or alumni (e.g. via LinkedIn) to ask about clinical experiences and satisfaction.
- Begin outlining your personal statement (graduate programs) or prepare interview talking points (pre-licensure applicants).
- Check the application deadline for your target term and set reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus State Community College nursing ACEN-accredited?
Columbus State states its Associate Degree Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Confirm the effective dates of accreditation and approval on the official ADN accreditation page and with ACEN/OBN.
What first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate does Columbus State publish for its ADN program?
The ADN student-achievement page lists a 99.45% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for calendar year 2024. For regulatory context, the Ohio Board of Nursing’s CY 2024 report lists an Ohio average RN first-time pass rate of 89.55%. Confirm the latest cohort data with Columbus State and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Does Columbus State require TEAS or HESI for pre-licensure RN nursing?
Columbus State requires the HESI Admission Assessment (A2) with a minimum score of 75; scores must come from Columbus State’s approved process and fall within four years of your application. TEAS is not the listed exam for RN admission.
What GPA does Columbus State use for competitive ADN admission?
The nursing admissions page specifies a minimum college GPA of 2.6 when college coursework exists (Columbus State GPA preferred). Without a college GPA, applicants need a high school GPA of at least 2.6 or an ACT composite of 18+ (ACT valid four years). Admission remains competitive beyond these minimums.
When are Columbus State’s RN nursing applications due?
As posted for Autumn 2026, applications open February 9, 2026 and close March 9, 2026 (afternoon). Spring 2027 applications open June 8, 2026 and close July 13, 2026. Always verify the live nursing admissions page before planning.
How much is Columbus State tuition per credit for Ohio residents in 2025–2026?
The Tuition & Fees page lists $192.93 per credit hour for Ohio residents (instructional + general fees) for Autumn 2025–Spring 2026, $394.59 for non-Ohio U.S. residents, and $468.15 for international students—before course, technology, or clinical fees.
Does Columbus State offer an LPN program, and what NCLEX-PN data is published?
Yes—Columbus State offers a part-time LPN certificate. Its practical nursing accreditation page includes a table showing a reported 100% first-time NCLEX-PN pass rate for December 2023–May 2024 alongside an Ohio average column. Treat that as a school-published window; confirm the next cohort with Columbus State and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
How does Columbus State’s online RN-to-BSN completion work?
The nursing homepage describes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing–Completion for RNs who already earned an ADN; coursework is fully online with part- or full-time pacing. You must be (or become) a licensed RN—this is not a pre-licensure BSN.
Where can I verify Columbus State’s nursing outcomes besides the school website?
Use the Ohio Board of Nursing annual reports for statewide NCLEX reporting and the NCES College Navigator (IPEDS) record for institution-level consumer data. Confirm any statistic’s year and definition before relying on it.
References
- Columbus State — Nursing departmentcscc.edu/nursing
- Columbus State — RN nursing admissionsRN admissions
- Columbus State — ADN accreditation / NCLEX-RN outcomesADN accreditation page
- Columbus State — LPN accreditation / NCLEX-PN outcomesLPN accreditation page
- Columbus State — Tuition & fees (2025–26 rates cited)Tuition & fees
- Ohio Board of Nursing — annual / NCLEX reportsOBN annual reports · CY 2024 NCLEX pass rate report (PDF, March 11, 2025 memo)
- NCES College Navigator — Columbus State Community CollegeIPEDS record
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment between NCLEX figures and Columbus State / Ohio Board of Nursing disclosures, tuition rates on the official Tuition & Fees page, and ADN admission requirements (HESI A2, GPA, application windows).
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Published: 2026-03-31 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy