Nursing Schools in Cincinnati, OH with Course and Degree Info
The Cincinnati, Ohio, area has over 15 universities and colleges that offer nursing programs. Learn about the degree and certificate programs, admission info, and program requirements for three of the largest of these schools to make an informed education decision.
Cincinnati, Ohio, Nursing Schools
Individuals in Cincinnati who are interested in nurse training have three public or private, not-for-profit school options located within 12 minutes of downtown. Below the description of each school, there is a table comparing tuition and size of the three schools. This article closes with a paragraph describing other nursing school options in the area.
The University of Cincinnati, was the first school in the country to offer a nursing degree. This public school provides both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs and is located only three miles from downtown.
A 2-year public school located 5 miles from downtown, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College awards certificate and associate's degrees in nursing.
Xavier University, a private not-for-profit Jesuit Catholic school, also provides nursing programs for undergraduate and graduate learners. This school is situated within 5 miles from downtown.
School Comparison
Prospective nursing students may want to compare tuition and other school factors before deciding on a school that is right for them. This table compares tuition and other information about the 3 schools discussed in this article.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati's main campus offers nursing programs at every level of education. Freshmen may pursue associate and bachelor's degrees, while graduate students can seek certificate programs in nursing education and master's programs in nurse midwifery and nursing administration. The university also offers doctoral degrees in nursing practice and nursing research.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Technology
The associate's degree program in nursing technology is presented at UC's Blue Ash College campus, about 13 miles from the main campus. It prepares graduates for entry-level jobs in hospitals, home health agencies, hospices, long-term care facilities, and adult day programs. The 2-year program combines nursing and general education courses, and students participate in weekly clinical activities. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN); they can also transfer to the university's bachelor's degree program in nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
The BSN at UC is a 4-year degree program that prepares students for graduate study or to enter the workforce as registered nurses. Interested freshmen may select a pre-nursing major at the end of their freshman year or may be directly admitted to the program; there is strong competition for admission. The program begins in sophomore year with nursing courses and clinical work. Degree program courses include concepts and skills for nursing practice, pharmacology, healthcare nutrition, gerontological nursing practice, mental healthcare, and community nursing.
Seniors in the program may opt for a concentrated clinical experience similar to clinical work at the graduate level. They also have the option of seeking clinical studies in their areas of interest. In addition, the university has a nursing co-op program that fosters professional growth through one-on-one mentoring and hands-on experience. This co-op program is reserved for high-achieving nursing students.
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
The university's Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education prepares individuals for academic roles in higher education while they pursue their master's and doctorate degrees. This program may also benefit those with bachelor's degrees in nursing who want to work as educators in professional settings by preparing them for the nurse educator credential exam offered by the National League for Nursing.
Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery
The university's Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery program is structured for distance learning only. It trains students in women's health needs and in birthing responsibilities, and it's designed to present an alternative to traditional medical childbirth delivery. Graduates are eligible for the certification exam offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
Master of Science in Nursing Administration
UC's Master of Science in Nursing Administration is also a distance learning program, training students how to work as healthcare industry executives and managers. Courses include organizing and managing healthcare organizations, strategic leadership, resource management, and system effectiveness. Graduates may seek certification as administrators with the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Organization of Nurse Executives.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The university began offering this DNP program in the fall of 2010, with the first graduates awarded advanced degrees in June 2012. The program focuses on quality improvement, leadership, advanced practice, and education in nursing. Courses include finance and economics of healthcare, patient safety, advanced clinical reasoning, project management, a nursing practice practicum, and capstone studies. The 4-semester program is directly related to the mission of the university to develop nurse leaders.
PhD in Nursing Research
The university's PhD in Nursing Research trains individuals who are in healthcare leadership positions so they can advance nursing practices through research. Students learn how to interpret, expand, and share knowledge about nursing- and healthcare-related research. Course topics include health policy, nursing science ethics, research methods, advanced multivariate analysis, psychometric theory, and scholarly writing in nursing.
Individuals may pursue this program after obtaining their bachelor's or master's degree in nursing. Admission requirements include official college transcripts, a statement of purpose, and 3 letters of reference from professionals who hold doctorates attesting to the student's ability to complete doctoral studies.
Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
CSTCC's Health and Public Safety Division awards an associate's degree in nursing along with certificates in practical nursing and nurse aide training. The college has clinical site partnerships with 8 area hospitals and health centers.
Certificate in Nurse Aide Training
The Certificate in Nurse Aide Training program prepares students for providing skilled care to patients in long-term care facilities and nursing homes. Students learn how to check pulse and respiration, monitor temperature, make beds, provide baths and back rubs, and feed patients. They also learn about infection control precautions and how to safely lift patients. The program utilizes a simulated patient room for practice.
Graduates are eligible to take the Ohio state Nurse Aide competency exam. Admission requirements include a TB test and physical exam; students must be at least 16 years old.
Certificate in Practical Nursing
The college's Practical Nursing Certificate is a 3-semester program offered in the day or evening. The program offers concurrent classroom training and clinical work. Program courses include basic nursing skills, gerontological nursing, child and adult health, mental health concepts, infant and maternal care, and community health. Graduates are eligible to take the national practical nursing examination to become licensed practical nurses. Admission requirements include a criminal background check, CPR certification, and a grade point average of at least 2.0 prior to beginning clinical work.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
The college's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills to seek entry-level employment in the nursing field or to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing. This 70-semester credit program includes courses in physiology and anatomy, microbiology, English composition, and communications. Nursing courses include nursing concepts, holistic patient care, evidence-based practice, adult and child care, mental health and psychiatric nursing, and obstetrical nursing. Program graduates are eligible for take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
Xavier University
Xavier University's nursing program uses a holistic, community-based approach to healthcare that is grounded in Jesuit traditions and values. Training accommodates both those new to nursing and professional, licensed nurses who want to pursue higher degrees and/or skill levels. Graduates of Xavier's programs are qualified to take the Holistic Nurse Certification exam.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
This 4-year program emphasizes development of the critical thinking, communication, and cooperation skills that are essential in the healthcare environment. Years 1-2 focus on anatomy, physiology, math, philosophy, and nursing topics such as health, therapeutics, and ways of knowing. Practical nurse training starts in the second year and continues throughout the program via partnerships with local healthcare facilities. In their final 2 years, students explore nursing for adults and families, care for complex patients, community health, mental health nursing, and nursing research. Supporting courses include math, philosophy, statistics, theology, physiological chemistry, and microbiology.
Students may elect to pursue the Hispanic Focus option, which features several interdisciplinary courses designed to enhance nursing practices for and cultural understanding of Hispanic populations. In addition, honors nursing students may apply for the BSN-MSN clinical nurse leader (CNL) honors program, which allows them to complete an MSN in 1 year following graduation from the BSN program.
Master of Science in Nursing
Xavier's master's program provides entry points for both RNs and non-nurses. RNs who hold a BSN enter directly into the master's program. RNs with a bachelor's degree in another field may also enter, but when applying for admission must submit a portfolio. Those RNs who have no bachelor's degree but have 2 years of RN experience and have studied specific foundation topics can take prerequisite bridge courses to become eligible for the MSN program. Concentration options include administration, CNL, education, family nurse practitioner, forensics, healthcare law, informatics, school nurse, and several dual degrees, such as MSN/Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Students can also choose a customized concentration.
Non-nurses who hold a bachelor's degree can participate in a 20-month pre-licensure master's in nursing program called MIDAS. The program also incorporates training as a CNL, so graduates are qualified not only for the NCLEX-RN exam but for the CNL certification exam as well.
Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner
This program is open to RNs who hold an MSN. Advanced studies focus on nursing practice theory, research, epidemiology, clinical pharmacology, pathophysiology, healthcare policy, and ethics. Nursing areas include primary care, adult, geriatric, pediatric, childbearing, and family nursing. Students must also complete a scholarly project and 600 practicum hours.
Post-Master's Certificate in Clinical Nurse Leader
This 4-semester program is also open to RNs with a master's in nursing. Studies explore clinical pharmacology, health assessment, and pathophysiology with the goal of training nurses to provide advanced point-of-care nursing. A scholarly project and a 300-hour leadership practicum are required.
Other School Options
Other options that may interest aspiring nurses include the College of Mount St. Joseph, which is about 8 miles west of Cincinnati. It's a 4-year private Catholic school with BSN, MSN, and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees that combine online and on-campus studies. For those who prefer a small school setting, Christ College of Nursing and Health Science is a 2-year private school with fewer than 350 students. It offers an AAS degree in nursing and an RN-BSN completion program, and it's located just 2 miles north of downtown Cincinnati.
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