University of Akron School of Nursing: Programs, Admissions & Costs (2026)
UA’s School of Nursing sits in downtown Akron with additional ADN instruction at Wayne College in Orrville, emphasizing Northeast Ohio clinical partners and broad pathways from Traditional BSN through DNP nurse anesthesia. This guide mirrors uakron.edu program listings, Ohio Board of Nursing NCLEX reporting (with UA’s Institutional Research licensure PDF for historical context), and 2026–27 financial-aid cost-of-attendance tables—verify every figure before you apply.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
UA’s differentiator is the combination of Akron-based clinical density (major health systems within minutes of campus), the Wayne College ADN option inside the same institution, and one of Ohio’s largest DNP nurse anesthesia footprints—backed by explicit CCNE language on the public nursing site.
Overview & Why Students Choose University of Akron Nursing
The University of Akron School of Nursing highlights record enrollment growth, a full ladder from pre-licensure BSN and associate nursing coursework at Wayne College to DNP-level nurse anesthesia, and regional clinical partnerships across Summit County and Greater Cleveland. Marketing emphasizes nationally recognized hospitals within walking distance of the Akron campus alongside immersive simulation labs.
Public materials state Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs; RN pre-licensure education remains subject to Ohio Board of Nursing approval like every Ohio program.
UA’s aggregated Professional Exam Pass Rates PDF lists a 2021 Bachelor of Science in Nursing NCLEX-RN row showing 143 of 179 first-time testers passing (80%, UA Institutional Research). Separately, the Ohio Board of Nursing publishes calendar-year program tables—its March 11, 2025 memorandum summarizing 2024 data cites an Ohio average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89.55% (national 91.16%). Look up UA’s most recent Board-reported program percentage in the 2024 Pass Rate Report PDF and confirm newer cohorts with the School of Nursing.
Reasons students choose the University of Akron School of Nursing
Akron clinical proximity
UA promotes partnerships with Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Summa Health, Akron Children’s, University Hospitals affiliates, and other regional systems that create short commutes for many rotations.
Accelerated & ladder pathways
Beyond the Traditional BSN, UA advertises a second-degree accelerated BSN (roughly 12–16 months in public FAQs), LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, and an ADN at Wayne College for students who prefer a university-based associate route.
Large nurse anesthesia program
The school profile calls UA’s nurse anesthesia track the largest in Ohio, with sequenced DNP-level coursework and residencies—confirm candidacy requirements directly with the program.
APRN & DNP depth
The MSN portfolio spans adult/gerontology primary care, several pediatric NP variants, psychiatric-mental health NP, and RN-to-MSN options; doctoral students can pursue DNP nursing practice or the nurse anesthesia DNP.
Student success infrastructure
The College of Health and Human Sciences Student Success Center (Mary Gladwin Hall) centralizes nursing advising, scholarships, orientation, and community resources advertised on uakron.edu.
Nursing Programs Offered
Programs below follow the UA School of Nursing academic programs listing plus graduate catalog entries on bulletin.uakron.edu. Separating them by mission—pre-licensure, post-licensure completion, graduate, doctoral—matches how UA describes admissions and keeps this guide aligned with the project’s program taxonomy.
Pre-licensure & undergraduate completion
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Four-year pre-licensure BSN on the Akron campus. After prerequisites, students apply through their adviser for fall nursing-major admission; coursework is competitive and capacity-limited.
Accelerated BSN (Second-degree BSN)
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)—UA markets a second-degree Bachelor of Nursing for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree; public FAQs cite 12–16 months to completion.
LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Dedicated LPN-to-BSN progression appears on UA’s undergraduate nursing menu for licensed practical nurses seeking the BSN.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN pathway)
UA awards the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing at Wayne College (Orrville); we use ADN here for readability. Expect a roughly 2.5-year timeline in UA marketing copy.
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
RN-to-BSN completion includes both online and classroom options per the academic programs page—ideal for working RNs needing flexible pacing.
Graduate nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
UA’s MSN page advertises APRN preparation in adult/gerontology primary care, multiple child & adolescent NP tracks (primary, acute, dual-focus), psychiatric/mental health NP, plus RN-to-MSN sequencing referenced on the school profile.
Post-graduate APRN Certificates
The University Catalog lists stackable certificates (for example adult-gerontology NP, pediatric acute care, psychiatric mental health NP, and FNP options for already-certified AGNPs).
Doctor of Nursing Practice — Nurse Anesthesia
UA promotes Post-BSN DNP Nurse Anesthesia with intensive residency expectations; refer to the anesthesia program page for prerequisites and cohort timing.
Doctor of Nursing Practice — Nursing Practice
The Nursing Practice DNP emphasis (separate catalog entry) targets leaders pursuing the highest practice credential outside anesthesia.
UA’s graduate catalog evolves—if a track or certificate name changes, defer to the University Catalog nursing section and official admissions letters. Do not assume every pathway admits every term.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Ohio’s regulatory summaries define first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates using calendar-year testers who attempted the exam within six months of program completion. According to the Ohio Board of Nursing memorandum dated March 11, 2025, calendar-year 2024 Ohio first-time NCLEX-RN candidates passed at 89.55% (8,715 testers) compared with a 91.16% national average for first-time testers; the Board’s benchmark (95% of the national average) was 86.60%.
For University of Akron program-specific percentages, use the 2024 Pass Rate Report PDF and locate UA’s pre-licensure rows (some content may appear in graphics—scroll the full RN section if text search fails).
UA also publishes the Professional Exam Pass Rates compilation, which lists a 2021 BSN NCLEX-RN outcome of 143 of 179 first-time testers passing (80%, UA IR). The same document’s MSN section lists smaller certification cohorts—for example, a 2021 CRNA board row with 36 of 37 passing (UA IR, reported 98%)—always confirm methodology and year headings directly on the PDF.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| UA BSN NCLEX-RN (UA IR PDF) | 80% — 143 of 179 first-time testers passed (2021 row, school-reported) |
| UA Board-reported NCLEX (example document) | See 2024 Pass Rate Report PDF for the latest calendar-year Board table entries after locating UA programs. |
| Ohio average (calendar 2024, first-time) | 89.55% (8,715 Ohio first-time testers) — Ohio Board of Nursing March 11, 2025 memo summarizing 2024 data |
| Source | UA IR Professional Exam Pass Rates; Ohio BON 2024 Pass Rate Report PDF. Confirm current outcomes with UA and the Ohio Board of Nursing. |
NCLEX statistics are not interchangeable across reporting systems. Align any comparison with the definitions printed in the specific PDF you cite, then confirm the next published cohort with the Board and the school.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and internationally educated nurses must satisfy both University of Akron requirements and Ohio Board of Nursing rules for RN licensure and clinical placement. UA’s graduate admissions standards note CGFNS International credential review for foreign-educated nurses and require a valid Ohio RN license before beginning the nursing major at the graduate level—confirm every document with UA Graduate Admissions and nursing.ohio.gov.
- 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 the University of Akron International Center, Graduate Admissions, and the Ohio Board of Nursing. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
UA combines direct admission for qualifying freshmen (3.0 high school GPA plus 22 ACT or 1030 SAT) with competitive progression for students who enter as pre-nursing majors. Continuing students must finish prerequisites with at least a C on the first attempt, carry a 2.75 science prerequisite GPA, and a 2.75 overall prerequisite GPA to stay eligible for the nursing major, per the public admissions standards page. Graduate pathways route through the Graduate School with additional nursing requirements.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN major | Spring application window | Students apply through their academic adviser during the spring semester for fall admission into the nursing major once prerequisites are complete (see BSN program page). |
| Information sessions | Seasonal | UA lists virtual information sessions for prospective nurses—register for current dates. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Minimum GPA / prerequisites | BSN progression: 2.75 science GPA, 2.75 overall prerequisite GPA, no grade below C on first attempt; direct freshmen need 3.0 HS GPA + 22 ACT / 1030 |
| TEAS / HESI | Not listed on the pages summarized here—review the School of Nursing Testing Policy and the Student Handbook |
| Next step | Call 330-972-6061 (undergraduate nursing) or email nursinginfo@uakron.edu for direct-admit questions |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
The Office of Student Financial Aid publishes institution-wide cost of attendance tables so students can budget beyond headline tuition. Figures below come from UA’s 2026–27 (fall 2026 / spring 2027 / summer 2027) summary and isolate the “Tuition and Fees” row for full-time students; nursing majors may owe additional program or clinical fees from the Student Accounts office.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Main Campus undergrad — Ohio resident (FT) | $14,146 tuition & fees (2026–27 COA table) |
| Main Campus undergrad — Non-Ohio resident (FT) | $21,826 tuition & fees (same table) |
| Wayne Campus undergrad — Ohio resident (off-campus scenario) | $8,404 tuition & fees (2026–27 COA table) |
| Wayne Campus undergrad — Non-Ohio resident | $16,084 tuition & fees (same table) |
| Graduate nursing (estimate row in COA) | Tables list $11,060 (Ohio resident) and $16,820 (non-Ohio) tuition & fees for “Graduate Students – Full Time” before program-specific surcharges—confirm with Student Accounts. |
| Source | UA Cost of Attendance (2026–27); Tuition Guarantee overview. Confirm billed amounts on your award letter. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
The UA Institutional Research licensure PDF combines NCLEX rows with national certification outcomes for MSN and DNP tracks. Use those school-reported percentages only when you also read the year label, denominator, and exam name printed beside each row—small cohorts (especially CRNA or niche NP cells) swing sharply from cycle to cycle.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (BSN, UA IR) | See NCLEX section; 2021 row lists 80% (143/179 first-time testers) |
| CRNA board (example, UA IR) | 2021 row lists 36 of 37 passing (UA IR, reported 98%)—confirm cohort size before comparing to other schools |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed on the pages summarized here; use Handshake listings or alumni networking via UA Career Services if you need employment context |
| Source | UA Professional Exam Pass Rates (IR). Confirm newer publications as UA updates the PDF. |
Is the University of Akron School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
UA fits students who want a public university in Summit County with Cleveland–Akron clinical access and an internal Wayne College ADN option. Still weigh GPA-heavy progression rules, potential clinical travel, and tuition differences between Main and regional campuses.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want urban Northeast Ohio clinical exposure without leaving the state.
- Value a single university that houses ADN, BSN completion, MSN, and DNP nurse anesthesia pathways.
- Plan to pursue APRN or nurse anesthesia graduate programs UA advertises publicly.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Expect automatic progression without meeting UA’s 2.75 science GPA thresholds.
- Need a fully online pre-licensure BSN; UA’s primary BSN remains campus-centric.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Akron anchors the Summit County care delivery market while sitting on Interstate 77 between Cleveland and Canton. School of Nursing messaging explicitly cites alumni employers such as Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Summa Health, Akron Children’s Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic Akron General—evidence of the rotation mix available within an hour’s drive.
| Facility / system type | Details |
|---|---|
| Akron metro | Quaternary, tertiary, and community hospitals plus specialty pediatric and behavioral health networks provide layered learning environments close to campus. |
| Greater Cleveland | Academic medical centers and integrated delivery networks north of Akron expand high-acuity options within commuting distance. |
| Wayne County (Orrville) | Students in the Wayne College ADN still connect to regional hospitals and ambulatory partners listed in UA clinical materials. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
UA markets simulation- and lab-heavy nursing skills training alongside clinical rotations, with general advising, scholarships, and communities coordinated through the College of Health and Human Sciences Student Success Center in Mary Gladwin Hall. Student-life pages reference nursing orientations, living-learning communities, and Handshake-based job boards; ask admissions how those resources apply to your cohort (Akron vs. Wayne).
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Primary campus
- Akron, OH (School of Nursing)
- Student Success Center
- Mary Gladwin Hall, Akron, OH 44325-3700
- Undergraduate nursing phone
- 330-972-6061
- BSN program contact
- 330-972-5875 (per BSN program page)
- nursinginfo@uakron.edu (direct-admit questions)
- Website
- uakron.edu/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Bookmark the School of Nursing hub and download the current Prenursing and Nursing Student Baccalaureate Handbook linked from the BSN page.
- Compare your transcripts to prerequisite lists for your pathway (Traditional, ABSN, LPN-to-BSN, RN-to-BSN, or Wayne ADN).
- Register for a virtual information session if available before you apply.
- Save both the UA IR licensure PDF and the Ohio BON pass-rate PDF so you can track annual updates.
- Call 330-972-6061 with undergraduate nursing questions or 330-972-7555 for PMHNP certificate details listed on UA’s site.
- Review the 2026–27 cost of attendance sheet that matches your campus (Main vs. Wayne) and residency.
- If you plan to apply to the Graduate School, open the graduate application checklist early for transcripts and recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I look for the latest first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for University of Akron BSN graduates?
Start with the Ohio Board of Nursing’s annual NCLEX pass-rate memorandum and accompanying program tables (for example, the 2024 Pass Rate Report PDF). UA’s aggregated Professional Exam Pass Rates PDF also lists older BSN cohorts—its 2021 BSN row shows 143 of 179 first-time testers passing (80%, UA IR). Confirm cohort years, definitions, and the newest data with the Board and the School of Nursing.
What nursing programs does the University of Akron publicly list on uakron.edu/nursing?
The academic programs menu includes Traditional BSN, Accelerated second-degree BSN (ABSN), LPN-to-BSN, ADN at Wayne College (Associate of Applied Science in Nursing), RN-to-BSN, MSN with multiple APRN tracks, Post-BSN DNP nurse anesthesia, DNP nursing-practice emphasis, and several post-graduate APRN certificates described in the University Catalog.
What tuition snapshot does UA publish for 2026–27 undergraduates on the Main Campus?
UA’s 2026–27 cost-of-attendance tables list $14,146 per academic year for tuition and fees for full-time Ohio residents on the Main Campus and $21,826 for full-time non-Ohio residents, before pathway-specific fees. Wayne Campus estimates differ; graduate tuition varies by program—use Student Accounts for detail.
How does direct admission into University of Akron nursing work for freshmen?
UA advertises direct admission when new freshmen meet a 3.0 high school GPA plus a 22 ACT or 1030 SAT and the published science prerequisites. Even direct admits must maintain a 2.75 science prerequisite GPA, 2.75 overall prerequisite GPA, and earn at least a C on the first attempt in prerequisite courses to continue into the major.
Is the University of Akron School of Nursing CCNE-accredited?
UA’s public accreditation statement lists CCNE accreditation for the baccalaureate, master’s, DNP, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs. Verify current status and scope directly with CCNE and the school.
Does University of Akron offer nurse anesthesia at the DNP level?
Yes—UA advertises a Post-BSN DNP Nurse Anesthesia option alongside other DNP emphases. Admissions, prerequisites, and clinical residency details are housed with the graduate nursing pages and the graduate catalog.
What should internationally educated nurses know before applying to UA graduate nursing?
UA notes CGFNS credential review for foreign-educated nurses and states that graduate nursing applicants must hold a valid Ohio RN license before starting the nursing major. Pair that guidance with Ohio Board of Nursing licensure instructions; requirements change and this FAQ is not legal advice.
Who can I call about BSN admissions at University of Akron?
The BSN program page lists 330-972-6061 for undergraduate nursing information and 330-972-5875 for the program contact. Email nursinginfo@uakron.edu handles direct-admit questions per UA’s admissions standards page.
How long does UA say its accelerated second-degree BSN takes?
UA’s public nursing FAQ states the accelerated second-degree BSN generally takes 12–16 months, while the traditional BSN remains a four-year pathway for direct-entry students who progress on schedule.
References
- University of Akron School of Nursinghttps://www.uakron.edu/nursing/
- UA Nursing Academic Programshttps://www.uakron.edu/nursing/academic-programs/
- UA Nursing Admissions Standardsadmissions-information.dot
- UA Bachelor of Science in Nursingbsn.dot
- UA Institutional Research — Professional Exam Pass Rates (PDF)Licensure exam-pass-rate.pdf
- UA Financial Aid — Cost of Attendance (2026–27)https://www.uakron.edu/finaid/cost-of-attendance
- Ohio Board of Nursinghttps://nursing.ohio.gov/
- Ohio Board of Nursing — 2024 NCLEX Pass Rate Report (PDF)2024_Pass_Rate_Report.pdf
- University of Akron Graduate Catalog — Nursingbulletin.uakron.edu nursing instruction
- 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 UA’s published program menu, CCNE disclosure, 2026–27 cost-of-attendance tuition rows, the UA IR licensure PDF, and Ohio Board of Nursing NCLEX memoranda.
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: March 31, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 31, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy