RN Programs in Ohio Vary in Size and Scope
In Ohio, the amount of registered nursing jobs available is growing, as well as the possible ways students can become a registered nurse. Ohio has an overwhelming number of schools and nursing programs that are continuously developing as the need for registered nurses, also called RNs, grows. Students who are looking to enter an RN program in Ohio can be unsure of which program is right for them, much less the school they should attend. In order to help future registered nursing students cope, the various RN programs in Ohio can be broken down into three levels of degrees: ADN, BSN, or MSN.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing
The ADN degree is the starting route for prospective RNs. Students who choose this RN program will graduate with an Associate Degree in Nursing, which only takes 2 years to complete, and is ultimately less expensive than other programs because of the notably shorter duration. In addition, ADN programs are commonly found in local community colleges or technical schools. After graduation, students must take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, to become a registered nurse in the state of Ohio. Any student who wants to start working as a registered nurse after a short time in school should start with getting an ADN, as those who have taken an RN program in Ohio have a higher rate of career opportunities. In addition, the BSN and MSN can be built on this degree whenever the student decides to return to school and further their skills.
Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing
The BSN program is an advancement of the ADN; students earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing after a four year program. The BSN program is more expensive due to the longer time frame, but graduates receive higher salaries and more advanced careers than ADN registered nurses. Some RN programs in Ohio offer an accelerated BSN program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, but they want to become a registered nurse as a second career.
Master’s of Science in Nursing
At the top of possible RN schooling, the MSN allows students with a BSN further their careers to earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing. These RN programs in Ohio are fewer in number than the others listed, but graduates with this degree gain incredible career opportunities. Registered nurses with an MSN degree are common candidates for Clinical Nurse Specialist, Certified Nurse Midwife, and Nurse Practitioner positions. The final tier of RN training takes around 2-3 years to complete, although the hours and scheduling are often flexible to meet the student’s needs. Many of the people working to earn the MSN degree also work as full-time nurses. The admittance standards of many MSN programs are very competitive, although students who graduate with an MSN degree find it to be worth the effort.
Deciding on a College’s RN Program
Out of all the RN programs in Ohio, schools that offer the ADN program are the most common; after all, it is the first step to becoming an RN. Deciding which school is going to meet your needs can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. The most important factor in deciding which RN program is right for you lies in the values you want to put into your work. Many schools can provide you with the necessary knowledge to become an RN, but you have to choose a school that will help you develop the emotional and psychological skills needed to provide clients with the best care.
In Columbus alone there are over 80 schools offering RN programs; many of these schools are larger organizations with a minor focus on your RN specific program. Felbry College is a smaller accredited school of nursing, but the care and guidance we provide to our students is of the highest quality and is a central focus of our leadership. Felbry offers RN programs in ADN, LPN-RN, and Practical Nursing. Whatever program you decide to enter, the faculty will ensure you have the necessary tools to become the best caregiver possible. The building blocks of a registered nurse start with the ADN degree, and Felbry understands the importance of instilling care and compassion into the nurses of tomorrow.
Felbry College offers several of the best RN Programs in Ohio, in addition to providing a supportive and knowledgeable faculty, key tools for success in future jobs, and an understanding of the importance of caring and compassionate nurses.