Ohio State University Nursing School Review

Ohio State University (OSU) was founded in 1914 and began as a 3-year diploma program called the Homeopathic Hospital Training Program for Nursing. In 1984, it became an independent college and it now provides excellent educational services for students who want to become leaders in healthcare, education and research.

Ohio State University College of Nursing

All of the nursing programs at Ohio State University have been approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). They are also a member of the American Association of Colleges of Nurses (AACN).

Undergraduate Program

Ohio State University provides several options for undergraduate degrees in nursing, such as the pre-nursing option for those who want to finish their prerequisite nursing courses while working with academic advisors. Students also have the option to complete these prerequisite courses while studying at another university or taking another major at Ohio State University.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

This program takes at least four years of full-time study to complete, but students can choose to study part-time if they don’t mind waiting longer to get their degree. In terms of studying, this program includes 186 credit hours and pre-professional coursework that will need to be completed before graduation.

To apply, students need to be high school graduates with a minimum grade of C in every prerequisite course and a minimum GPA of 3.2. They will also need to complete the State Nursing Assistant (STNA or SNA) course before starting the program.

Graduates will be able to take the National Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become registered nurses.

RN to BSN Option

This option exists for students who need more access and flexibility in their study programs. Through this option, they can take their nursing courses online and simply visit Ohio State University for other non-nursing courses and advising.

This program takes 120 semester hours to complete and includes general education courses, prerequisite courses and required nursing classes. In order to graduate, students will need to complete at least 30 of the semester hours at Ohio State University itself.

To apply, students need to have an associate degree, a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a valid RN licensure in Ohio. They also need to complete 9 of the required prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C.

Pre-Nursing Option

Students who wish to get a BSN degree can take this program. However, they will need to take prerequisites and work with an advisor to learn more about study skill strategies, academic problems and course planning.

To apply, students need to have a minimum ACT composite score of 25 and a minimum combined SAT score of 1185.

Master’s Program

Ohio State University provides several options for graduate degrees in nursing to educate students on everything that they need to know in terms of nursing foundations and theory.

The Traditional Master of Science (MS Trad) Option

Students with baccalaureate degrees in nursing can take this program to get a Master of Science in nursing.

To apply, students need to have a BSN or an RN licensure and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who do not have Master’s degrees yet will also need to have a good score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Aside from that, students need to have completed undergraduate courses in nursing research, health assessment or research methods before admission.

The Graduate Entry (MS GE) Option

Students with baccalaureate degrees in other majors besides nursing can take this program to get a Master of Science in nursing. In general, this program takes around three years of full-time study to complete.

To apply, students need to have a bachelor’s degree in any major and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who do not have Master’s degrees yet will also need to have a good score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Aside from that, students will need to have completed the 5 prerequisite courses and the STNA course. They will also need to choose their specialty of choice while applying for this program.

Graduates will be able to take the NCLEX-RN and get certification in their specialty of choice.

Graduate Specialities

Graduates will be able to get certification in one of these tracks: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing Science, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing and Health System Management, or Nurse Practitioner.

All of these areas will provide enough background for high education at the PhD and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) levels.

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)

CNSs are professionals in diagnosis, treating and alleviating illnesses in adolescents and adults. They also promote health and provide nursing care to special populations, like cardiac, burn and endocrine patients at hospitals and continuing care facilities.

Nursing Science

This track takes a year to complete when done full-time and two years to complete when done part-time. Summer classes can also be taken to lighten the load throughout the year.

Only traditional MS students will be considered for this track and it would be best suited for students who want to get a PhD research degree.

Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

This track takes a year to complete when done full-time and two years to complete when done part-time. CNLs manage and provide comprehensive care at patients’ besides at acute care facilities. They take direct care of people in complicated situations, evaluate patient outcomes, and improve and change care plans as needed.

Graduates will be able to get certification as CNLs. Graduates aren’t meant to fill any unit management roles, though.

Nursing and Health System Management

Nurses in this specialty can take on management positions in public health agencies and hospital healthcare systems. It has two sub-specialties: Nursing Administration and Public Health Nursing.

Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP)

Nurse practitioners are independent practitioners who are licensed to diagnose acute long-term and episodic illnesses. They also promote health and prevent illnesses.

To apply, students will need to have a master’s degree in nursing, two recommendation letters, graduate school transcripts and at least a year of full-time work experience in the field before starting their clinical courses.

Graduates will be able to take the necessary NCLEX and get certification as ACNPs through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

This new option gives students the chance to take their courses online and finish their clinical experiences somewhere nearby, making it the perfect option for working RNs.

Through this specialty, students will be prepared for work as psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialists (PMH CNSs) or nurse practitioners (PMH NPs). Graduates will qualify for both specializations and will be able to take the necessary certification examinations for them.

Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

This new option gives students the chance to take their courses online and finish their clinical experiences somewhere nearby, making it the perfect option for working RNs.

FNPs prepare students for advanced practice nursing in various clinical settings and graduates will be able to get certification as FNPs in primary care.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Students who take this track will be prepared for a lot of challenges along the way and will be working in various hospital-based settings, community-based primary care settings, and developmental/follow-up clinics.

Students will need to have at least a year of full-time work experience in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unity (NICU) before taking their clinical courses, though.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Students who take this track will be prepared for a lot of challenges along the way and will be working in various hospitals, clinics and schools.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Students who take this track will be prepared for a lot of challenges along the way. It includes clinical experience, coursework and research.

Graduates will be able to get certification as Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners.

Nurse Midwifery

Nurse midwives provide women and families with competent and culturally sensitive care as needed to promote health and maintain health in the community.

Graduates will be able to get certification as nurse midwives from the American Colleges of Nurse Midwives Certification Council.

Post-Master’s Study Option

Practicing nurses with master’s degrees in nursing can take this program to get advanced specialty certification as needed.

To apply, students need to submit a post-master’s application, a disclosure form, a valid resume, a statement of purpose, previous college transcripts and two recommendation letters.

Continuing Education (CE)

Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Nursing

Advanced practice nurses can take this program in order to get a certificate to prescribe. This program takes 60 contact hours to complete.

Doctoral Programs

Ohio State University’s College of Nursing has two doctoral level degrees available: the PhD and the DNP.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This program is available for full-time study and part-time study.

To apply, students need to have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nursing, good GRE scores from within the last five years, a current resume, a statement of purpose and three recommendation letters.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This program is available for full-time study, which will take two years to complete, and part-time study, which will take three years to complete.

To apply, students need to have a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in nursing, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5, good GRE scores from within the last five years, a valid RN licensure in Ohio, a purpose of statement, college transcripts and three recommendation letters.

Contact:
Ohio State University
1585 Neil Avenue,
Columbus, OH 43210