There are six schools within 20 miles of Columbus, OH, that have nursing programs. Read an overview of the programs, requirements, and admission info at three schools that are no more than five miles from the city center and find out which is the right one for you.
Columbus, Ohio, Nursing Schools
Aspiring nurses as well as nurses seeking advanced training have several school options near downtown Columbus, Ohio. This article looks at three schools, none more than 15 minutes from downtown Columbus, that provide nursing certificate and degree programs at all levels. It also includes a table that presents information about each school, such as enrollment, acceptance rate and tuition. The names of a few more Columbus-area schools that offer nursing training are found at the end of the article.
Just five miles from downtown, Capital University offers a bachelor's and master's program in nursing, along with certificate programs for nurse educators and clinical nurse specialists.
Columbus State Community College, in the heart of downtown, offers an associate's degree in nursing and certificate programs for registered nurses (RNs) who want to develop their skills in specialty areas. It also has nurse aide and licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate programs.
The Ohio State University, about three miles from the city center, offers bachelor's, master's degrees and two doctoral degree programs in nursing.
Comparison of Schools
Students who are deciding on a school for their nursing training need access to many facts. This table contains vital information in a format that makes comparison easy.
Capital University
Capital University, which is just a few miles from Columbus in Bexley, emphasizes a holistic approach to nursing. Students learn to exercise sound judgment and critical thinking skills as they master the knowledge needed for effective healthcare delivery.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Students can enter Capital's traditional nursing program as freshmen. During sophomore year, they begin supervised work with patients and continue clinical experiences at Columbus-area facilities during junior year. Senior year studies focus on intensive study in selected areas. Topics explored throughout the program include health assessment, nursing practices, research, leadership, and complimentary/alternative healing methods. The program uses exams similar in format to the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). Those who hold an associate's degree in nursing can earn a bachelor's degree through the BSN completion program. Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field can earn a BSN through Capital's 5-semester accelerated BSN program.
Master of Science in Nursing
MSN students at Capital can choose from concentrations in nursing education, administration, legal studies, theology, and clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in adult/gerontology. Capital also offers dual degrees: MSN/Juris Doctor, MSN/Master of Business Administration (MBA) and MSN/Master in Theological Studies. All learning blends clinical and holistic nursing practices and philosophies, as well as providing leadership development in the chronic, acute, and community health areas. Specific training varies with the specialty and/or degree chosen.
Students who hold diplomas or associate's degrees in nursing can fast-track to an MSN through a special program. Admission to the MSN program requires a BSN or a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing major and an associate's degree in nursing. Applicants must be licensed as RNs in Ohio. Program length varies depending on the specialty, but all are 37-49 credits.
Post-Master's Nurse Educator Certificate
The nurse educator certificate prepares RNs to provide classroom and clinical instruction. The program consists of 4 semesters and lasts 16 months. Admission requirements include a master's degree in nursing and an Ohio RN license. The four courses teach curriculum design, teaching strategies, and technology in education. Students also spend 50 hours student teaching while working with an experienced nurse educator.
Post-Master's Clinical Nurse Specialist Certificate
This program requires eight courses that prepare the student for licensing as an advanced practice CNS in adult health/gerontology; a CNS license allows nurses to write prescriptions. The courses include advanced courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment, as well as healthcare leadership. Students learn about end-of-life care and study healthy aging. A capstone project is required.
Columbus State Community College
Students at Columbus State Community College can get their initial training to take the licensed practical nurse (LPN) or RN exams. The college also offers programs for people with degrees in fields outside of nursing and for LPNs seeking RN certification. A variety of certificate programs both for non-RNs and RNs offer instruction in specialty areas such as Pranic energy healing.
Nurse Aide Certificate
The nurse aide certificate program is a single course that qualifies graduates for state certification and also is a requirement for other nursing programs at the college. It's designed to train students for work in a long-term care setting. Students complete 60 hours of classes and labs and 16 hours of supervised clinical training in a healthcare facility.
Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate
The LPN certificate program consists of 36 semester hours taught in the evenings and on weekends; it requires five semesters of part-time study to complete. To be admitted, students must have completed a nurse aide training program and courses in medical terminology and biology. Studies cover anatomy, physiology, promotion of good health, nursing fundamentals, patient care skills, pharmacology, ethics, and care of specific types of patients. Clinical experience is gained through assignments in a variety of healthcare settings. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX for LPNs.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Columbus State's registered nursing program calls for five semesters of study, with required courses such as nursing foundations, human development, pharmacology, nursing concepts, physiology, anatomy, and microbiology. Students also choose from electives like end-of-life care and critical care nursing, and get clinical training working with patients in local healthcare facilities. CSCC also offers a pathway for LPNs to earn a nursing degree through a customized plan, as well as an option for students who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing and who want to become an RN. Admission requirements include completion of a nurse aide training program.
RN-First Assistant Certificate
Requirements for admission to this online program include current RN licensure and two years of perioperative experience. Students learn to safely assume the role and responsibilities of first assistant in surgery; graduates are eligible for the RN first assistant (RNFA) certification exam.
RN-Train the Trainer Certificate
This program, which meets all state and federal requirements, allows the graduate to become certified to operate and teach a nurse aide training course. Students must be an Ohio-licensed RN or LPN and have at least two years of experience caring for chronically ill and/or elderly patients.
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University offers a variety of options for nursing education, including programs for RNs with lower-level nursing degrees or degrees in other fields. Students can take advantage of resources such as the Leadership Academy for Peak Performance and continuing education programs at the Transformational Learning Academy in Nursing and Health.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
OSU offers a pre-nursing program that gives students the opportunity to work with an advisor as they prepare to apply to nursing school. A year of prerequisite courses includes physiology, chemistry, anatomy, and nutrition. The remaining three years of the nursing program feature learning via courses, labs, and clinical experiences. Students explore nursing practices and concepts, health assessment, nursing care across the life span, and pharmacology. They also examine specific areas of nursing, such as adult, pediatric, psychiatric, and older adult. RNs with a diploma or associate's degree can earn a BSN that allows them to complete their required nursing courses online in a year; they may need additional general education courses.
Master of Science in Nursing
Students with bachelor's degrees in nursing can enter the traditional master's program at The Ohio State University; there is also a graduate entry option for students with a degree in a field other than nursing. Students choose from specialties in nursing science, clinical nurse leader, or health system management. A CNS track offers specializations in adult and psychiatric care, while RNs who choose the nurse practitioner track can specialize in nurse midwifery, adult, women's health, family, neonatal, pediatric, and adult psychiatric.
In the traditional MSN program, students take core courses in advanced nursing topics as well as courses in the specialty areas. Many courses are online, but clinical work is required. The length of the programs varies. The school also has programs that let RNs with master's degrees pursue specialty certifications.
PhD in Nursing
This program is for nurses who plan on careers in academia and research. Students need a bachelor's or a master's degree in nursing. Scholarships, associateships, and fellowships are available to cover tuition and pay a stipend. The PhD program varies according to the needs of the student, but always includes courses in nursing science, research methods, and scientific communication. Students must meet requirements in teaching, professional service, research, and scholarship. A dissertation is required.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is for RNs whose aspirations include clinical practice or working with organizations involved with the care of individuals. Holistic health is the focus of the program, and students can craft a curriculum that will enable them to meet their career goals. Students must have both a bachelor's and a master's degree in nursing and hold a valid RN license. The program calls for 50 credit hours of coursework beyond the master's degree, in addition to two semesters of residency. RNs in the DNP program take core courses in leadership, management, and ethics, as well as electives in one of the university's specializations or in courses chosen by the student and advisors. A scholarly project is required for graduation.
Other School Options
There are several other schools in the Columbus area that offer nursing programs. Through a 12-month program, Columbus School of Practical Nursing prepares students to take the state's LPN exam; the school is less than 15 miles northeast of downtown Columbus. Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a small Catholic school about two miles from downtown and is affiliated with the Mount Carmel Health System. In addition to a bachelor's degree program, Mount Carmel features master's degree programs that include nursing education, adult health, nursing administration, and family nurse practitioner. Otterbien University is about 18 miles from Columbus in Westerville. It awards a BSN, as well as a number of MSNs, a DNP, and post-master's certificates.
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