Ohio University School of Nursing: Programs, Requirements & NCLEX Snapshot (2026)
Anchored in Athens with on-site pre-licensure nursing at regional campuses, Ohio University School of Nursing offers a full ladder from Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-N) and Traditional BSN through online RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and nurse anesthesia. This guide summarizes official OHIO program listings, school-published NCLEX outcomes, and 2025–26 OHIO Guarantee tuition; confirm every deadline with the School of Nursing and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
Ohio University stacks rural–small-city clinical access (Athens hub, regional campuses) with high-visibility online graduate nursing and a BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia track developed with OhioHealth—useful if you want one institution that spans associate through doctoral nursing without leaving the OHIO ecosystem.
Overview & Why Students Choose Ohio University
Ohio University’s School of Nursing sits in the College of Health Sciences and Professions, pairing a flagship Athens experience with regional campuses that host pre-licensure AAS-N and BSN coursework closer to students’ home communities. Public pages emphasize simulation-intensive undergraduate labs, community clinical experiences (including pediatrics examples such as Nationwide Children’s in marketing copy), and nationwide online RN-to-BSN and graduate programs marketed to working professionals.
Accreditation language on the School of Nursing homepage notes CCNE for baccalaureate, master’s, and DNP nursing programs plus ACEN and Ohio Board of Nursing approval windows for the AAS-N and multi-site BSN—always confirm the effective dates on OHIO’s disclosure before you commit.
The AAS-N program outcomes table lists a 96.76% first-attempt NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2024 graduates (113 of 118 testers). OHIO’s April 2024 news release and the public BSN degree page cite about 98.5% / 98.49% BSN first-time pass rates on the 2023 NCLEX-RN relative to national and Ohio averages reported in that article. For regulatory calendar-year views, use the Ohio Board of Nursing 2024 pass rate memorandum (PDF), which states an Ohio average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate of 89.55% (national 91.16%). Confirm the latest cohorts with the School of Nursing and the Board.
Reasons students choose Ohio University School of Nursing
Associate and BSN on regional campuses
The AAS-N runs at Chillicothe, Southern, and Zanesville with an LPN-to-RN advanced placement option, while Traditional BSN classes meet in Athens plus additional regional sites—helpful if you need to stay in eastern/southeastern Ohio.
Online ladder for working RNs
OHIO advertises 100% online RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP options so bedside nurses can advance without relocating.
Practice-focused doctoral depth
Marketing materials highlight BSN-to-DNP and post-master’s DNP concentrations plus a BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia track aligned with OhioHealth partnerships.
Documented NCLEX strength
Official outcomes tables and OHIO news releases cite strong first-time NCLEX-RN performance for both associate and BSN graduates in recent reporting years—always verify the newest table before you apply.
Predictable undergrad pricing
New undergraduates admitted to the OHIO Guarantee cohort lock in posted Athens/regional tuition through their four-year window—compare those published semester totals with housing and fees.
Nursing Programs Offered
Program names below follow the Nursing Programs list, the School of Nursing homepage, and related graduate anchors on ohio.edu.
Pre-licensure undergraduate
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing (AAS-N)
Two-year pre-licensure program on the Chillicothe, Southern, and Zanesville campuses, including an LPN-to-RN advanced placement option per OHIO’s consolidated programs page.
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Students enter as Pre-BSN majors, complete prerequisites, apply in spring for progression, and start nursing major coursework the following fall on Athens, Chillicothe, Eastern, Lancaster, Southern, or Zanesville campuses with regional clinicals (some drives may approach an hour).
Post-licensure undergraduate
RN to BSN
100% online BSN completion for currently licensed RNs who hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing.
School Nurse coursework
Ohio University lists School Nurse curriculum for RNs pursuing Ohio Department of Education school-nurse credential steps—email nursing@ohio.edu for the current certificate outline.
Graduate nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Tracks published on the programs list include Family NP, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, Adult Gerontology-Acute Care NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
Post-graduate nursing certificates
OHIO advertises online post-graduate nursing certificates aligned with APRN role additions—confirm specialty availability each cycle.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The DNP page describes BSN-to-DNP and post-MSN DNP concentrations spanning advanced clinical or executive practice.
DNP — Nurse Anesthesia
OHIO markets a BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia program developed with OhioHealth; expect blended online learning plus on-campus intensives and rigorous clinical hour expectations.
Unlike some Ohio publics, OHIO’s published nursing ladder centers on Traditional BSN, AAS-N, and online RN-to-BSN. If you already hold a bachelor’s in another field, contact nursing@ohio.edu to ask whether any accelerated pre-licensure sequence exists for your target campus.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
Ohio University publishes program-level NCLEX-RN outcome tables for the AAS-N degree and cites BSN first-time pass rates in university news and degree marketing pages. The metrics below therefore mix a 2024 graduating cohort (AAS-N table) with 2023 exam-year reporting (BSN news/degree page)—they answer different questions, so read the labels carefully.
For statewide comparability, the Ohio Board of Nursing’s 2024 memorandum cites an 89.55% Ohio average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (national 91.16%) using its regulatory definitions.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| AAS-N NCLEX-RN first-attempt (2024 graduates, school table) | 96.76% — 113 of 118 testers passed on first attempt (AAS-N Program Outcomes) |
| BSN NCLEX-RN first-time (2023 exam year, school news) | 98.5% — reported April 15, 2024 OHIO news article; BSN degree page cites 98.49% 2023 first-time pass rate for additional context |
| Ohio average (calendar 2024, first-time) | 89.55% — Ohio Board of Nursing 2024 pass rate memorandum (PDF) |
| Source | AAS-N Program Outcomes; OHIO Today — 2023 NCLEX story; BSN degree page; OBN 2024 Pass Rate Report (PDF). Confirm current cohorts with the School of Nursing and the Ohio Board of Nursing. |
NCLEX performance changes by cohort and campus. Marketing copy may round percentages differently than regulatory tables. Always confirm the latest school outcomes and Board publications before you choose a program.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International applicants and internationally educated nurses must satisfy both Ohio University admissions policies and Ohio Board of Nursing licensure documentation. Start with the checklist below, then confirm details with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Graduate College, 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 Ohio University international student services and the Ohio Board of Nursing. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Ohio University’s BSN admissions page describes a two-step model: competitive admission to the Pre-BSN major followed by a spring application to the BSN major after prerequisite courses. AAS-N, RN-to-BSN, MSN, DNP, and certificate applicants should use the pathway-specific instructions linked from the School of Nursing site or email nursing@ohio.edu / graduatenursing@ohio.edu.
Application timeline
| Entry Term | Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN major (BS1221) | Spring application cycle | Per the BSN program overview, students apply during spring semester after prerequisites; selected students start nursing major courses the following fall. Confirm document deadlines with your campus nursing office. |
| RN-to-BSN & graduate nursing | Multiple starts | Marketing materials describe frequent RN-to-BSN starts; MSN/DNP applicants should follow Graduate College timelines. |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate (Nursing) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Pre-BSN GPA (public overview) | First-time freshmen: high school GPA ≥ 3.0; transfer or change-of-major students: college GPA ≥ 2.75 (BSN admissions) |
| TEAS / entrance exams | AAS-N: Associate admission requirements list the ATI TEAS with a minimum adjusted total at basic level or greater (tests within one year). Traditional BSN Pre-BSN requirements on the public BSN admissions page reviewed here did not list TEAS—confirm with the Athens or regional nursing office for your pathway. |
| Next step | Call 740-593-4494 or email nursing@ohio.edu |
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Ohio University posts OHIO Guarantee cohort rates for undergraduates admitted to Athens and regional campuses, separate non-guarantee tables for continuing or online-only learners, and additional college technology fees (for example, the College of Health Sciences & Professions line on non-guarantee schedules). Graduate nursing students should request a personalized estimate from the Bursar because online DNP/MSN billing differs from residential Athens bundles.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Athens undergraduate (OHIO Guarantee 2025–26 cohort, full-time 12–20 credits / semester) | $7,183 Ohio resident tuition + general fees; $12,790 non-resident total, before the Career & Experiential Learning fee ($9/credit, $108 max) and other assessments listed on the guarantee sheet. |
| Regional campus undergraduate (same guarantee cohort, full-time 12–20 credits / semester) | $3,204 Ohio resident total; $4,822 non-resident total (tuition + general fees), before experiential fees. |
| Non-guarantee CHSP technology fee (example) | College of Health Sciences & Professions comprehensive fee $67/semester at 12–20 credits on the 2025–26 non-guarantee table—verify whether your cohort uses guarantee or non-guarantee rules. |
| Housing / meal illustrations (Athens, same bursar page) | Example classic double $4,339/semester plus meal plans ranging roughly $2,428–$4,107 depending on plan—actual room/board depends on assignment. |
| Source | The OHIO Guarantee 2025–26; Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (non-guarantee). Confirm your cohort, campus mix, and nursing course fees with the Bursar. |
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use the NCLEX section for quantitative licensure outcomes. Ohio University marketing copy states that many BSN students receive job interest before graduation, but the pages summarized here do not publish a single audited placement rate—treat employment claims as directional and confirm hiring data with career services.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN (pre-licensure) | See NCLEX section; AAS-N 2024 cohort table + BSN 2023 news figures |
| APRN certification | Not summarized on this page—ask graduate nursing coordinators for specialty board-pass disclosures |
| Job placement / salary | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage in the sources cited here |
| Source | AAS-N outcomes; OHIO Today NCLEX story; BSN degree page. |
Is Ohio University School of Nursing the Right Fit for You?
Ohio University fits students who want a public research university with strong Appalachian/regional reach, documented licensure outcomes, and progressive online graduate nursing—but you should budget for travel to clinical sites and review technology fees carefully.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Prefer Pre-BSN → major progression with multiple campus options across southeastern/eastern Ohio.
- Need an AAS-N close to Chillicothe, Ironton, or Zanesville before pursuing the RN ladder.
- Plan to complete RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP online while working.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Require a heavily marketed Accelerated Second-Degree BSN without contacting the school—public pages center on Traditional BSN and associate pathways.
- Need zero regional driving for clinical practicum; some cohorts should expect up to ~1 hour commutes per OHIO’s BSN overview.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
Athens anchors southeast Ohio’s referral region, with access to community hospitals, critical-access facilities, FQHCs, and larger Columbus-area systems within a few hours’ drive. Regional campuses draw clinical partners close to Chillicothe, Lancaster, Zanesville, Ironton, and St. Clairsville. Marketing copy highlights pediatric experiences such as Nationwide Children’s Hospital; graduate nurse anesthesia students train within the OhioHealth ecosystem described in OHIO news.
| Facility / system type | Details |
|---|---|
| Southeast Ohio | Rural health, community hospitals, and public health departments provide primary-care-heavy clinical contrast. |
| Central Ohio corridor | Larger referral centers and specialty pediatrics (e.g., Nationwide Children’s in OHIO marketing materials) supplement rotations depending on campus. |
| OhioHealth partnership | Featured in university communications around the nurse anesthesia program expansion—confirm current agreements with the School of Nursing. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
The Athens nursing hub lists Grover Center E365 as its main office with high-fidelity simulation laboratories referenced on BSN marketing pages. Student organizations include BSN clubs on each campus plus Sigma Theta Tau opportunities noted in OHIO materials. Expect a classic residential experience in Athens versus commuter-friendly regional sites.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- Athens, OH (main office)
- Address
- Grover Center E365, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, US
- Telephone
- 740-593-4494 · toll-free 800-560-0144
- nursing@ohio.edu · graduate: graduatenursing@ohio.edu
- Website
- ohio.edu/chsp/nursing
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Read the BSN program overview and Pre-BSN admissions grid for your GPA pathway.
- If AAS-N is your target, bookmark the associate admission requirements and outcomes table.
- Download the latest Ohio Board NCLEX memorandum for statewide context.
- Call 740-593-4494 to confirm regional campus nursing office contacts (Chillicothe, Eastern, Southern, Zanesville).
- RN-to-BSN applicants: review RN-to-BSN for five-week course pacing and fee waivers mentioned on the nursing homepage.
- Graduate applicants: email graduatenursing@ohio.edu about clinical clearance paperwork.
- Build a cost model using the OHIO Guarantee Athens and regional tables plus housing rows on the same bursar page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What NCLEX-RN outcomes does Ohio University publish for pre-licensure nursing?
The AAS-N outcomes table reports 96.76% first-attempt passes for 2024 graduates (113 of 118). OHIO’s April 2024 news article cites a 98.5% BSN first-time pass rate for the 2023 NCLEX-RN, and the BSN marketing page references 98.49% for 2023. Confirm the latest cohorts with the School of Nursing and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Does Ohio University list an Accelerated Second-Degree BSN on its public nursing programs page?
The consolidated program list highlights Traditional BSN, AAS-N, RN-to-BSN, and graduate options—not a separate ABSN line. If you already hold a bachelor’s elsewhere, email nursing@ohio.edu before assuming an accelerated timeline.
Where can I take Ohio University’s Traditional BSN coursework?
Program materials list Athens plus regional campuses in Chillicothe, Eastern, Lancaster, Southern, and Zanesville, with clinical assignments that may require driving to partner hospitals.
What MSN tracks does Ohio University advertise?
The nursing programs page lists Family NP, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, Adult Gerontology-Acute Care NP, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP—each described as part of the online MSN portfolio.
Does Ohio University require the TEAS for nursing?
The AAS-N admission requirements specify the ATI TEAS with a minimum adjusted total score at the basic level or higher (valid within one year). The public Pre-BSN admissions overview summarized on this page does not list TEAS—confirm whether your BSN campus or cycle adds a standardized exam.
What Ohio Guarantee tuition does Ohio University show for Athens undergraduates in 2025–26?
Full-time (12–20 credits) Athens tuition and general fees total $7,183 per semester for Ohio residents and $12,790 for out-of-state residents on the published guarantee table, before fees such as the Career & Experiential Learning charge.
How selective is progression from Pre-BSN to the BSN major at Ohio University?
Public pages describe a selective Pre-BSN admission (minimum GPAs listed on the BSN admissions page) and a spring application window to the nursing major after prerequisites. Cohort caps are not stated—ask your campus advisor.
Does Ohio University offer DNP nurse anesthesia?
Yes—the nursing homepage links a BSN-to-DNP nurse anesthesia program developed with OhioHealth; expect blended delivery and intensive clinical hours.
Where should internationally educated nurses start for Ohio licensure?
Use Ohio University admissions plus nursing.ohio.gov for NCLEX documentation. Policies change—this is guidance, not legal advice.
References
- Ohio University School of Nursinghttps://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing
- Nursing Programs (consolidated list)https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/nursing-programs
- BSN program overviewhttps://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/bachelors-degree/program-overview
- BSN admissions requirementshttps://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/bachelors-degree/bsn-admissions
- AAS-N Program Outcomeshttps://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/associate-degree/program-outcomes
- AAS-N Admission Requirements (TEAS)https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/associate-degree/admission-requirements
- OHIO Today — 2023 NCLEX storyApril 15, 2024 article
- BSN degree marketing pagehttps://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/bachelors-degree
- OHIO Guarantee 2025–26https://www.ohio.edu/bursar/ohio-guarantee/2025-2026
- Undergraduate tuition (non-guarantee)https://www.ohio.edu/bursar/undergraduate-tuition
- School of Nursing contacthttps://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/contact
- Ohio Board of Nursinghttps://nursing.ohio.gov/
- Ohio Board of Nursing — 2024 NCLEX Pass Rate Report (PDF)2024_Pass_Rate_Report.pdf
- 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 Ohio University’s public nursing catalogs, AAS-N/BSN NCLEX disclosures, OHIO Guarantee tuition tables, and Ohio Board of Nursing 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