RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Students who apply and are admitted during the second application window can begin their RN to BSN journey with second-session 7-week courses, only. While full-term courses are not available during this timeframe, the second application window offers a valuable opportunity to get started in the online program sooner rather than waiting for the next semester.

Applications for the RN to BSN program are accepted each term. Your application and all required materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on the listed deadline date. Your application status will show as “pending” until a decision is posted.

All decisions will be posted to the Applicant Center, and all applicants will be notified via email of their application decision from Graduate and Professional Admissions. Most applicants will receive a decision within one month of submitting all required application documents.

All admitted students will have two weeks after the decision notification to accept their offer online. The offer of admission will be cancelled two weeks prior to the start of the semester for any admitted student who has not responded to their offer. Once admitted, students will receive a virtual admissions packet to guide their next steps. Newly admitted students will be required to pay a $100 acceptance fee. This acceptance fee is not required for current and past Ohio State students.

Admitted students must complete the following before the designated deadline:

• Background checks – by the end of the first semester in the program
• RN License – by enrollment in NRSADVN 4240, usually in the second semester for full-time students or third semester for part-time students.

Please refer to the virtual admissions packet for additional information.

There is a required online orientation due before the first day of class. There may also be the opportunity for an in-person orientation for students depending on the start term and although not required, it is highly recommended.

The first days of autumn, spring and summer semesters can be found listed above. Tuition and fee payments are due one week prior to the start of the semester.

Students must have an associate degree in nursing or nursing diploma from an institution with a CNEA– or ACEN-accredited nursing education program. Students may apply to the online RN to BSN program while their degree or diploma is still in progress but must receive it by the start of their term of admission.

You must have an active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state where you practice.

Cumulative GPAs include all coursework attempted at the undergraduate level at all attended colleges/universities and is calculated by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions office. 

At this time, Ohio State’s online RN to BSN program is authorized in every state. Please scroll to the State Authorization section of this page for more details.

International students applying to the RN to BSN program must hold an active unencumbered RN license to practice in the United States or a Credentials Evaluation Service Report from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools.

Complete an application online through the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions by clicking this link. A $60 application fee is required at the time of application submission.

The application includes a set of required essay questions. You can start your application, save your progress and return to complete it at any time. Once an application is submitted, all responses are final.

As an applicant, you must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have previously attended at either the undergraduate or graduate level. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from The Ohio State University do not need to be submitted. Transcripts should be submitted directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Please request your transcripts be sent early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to gpadocs@osu.edu or the following address:

The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004

Unofficial transcripts: Applicants may upload a copy of an official transcript at the time of application through the Admissions Uploader. Documents submitted in this manner are considered unofficial but will suffice for the application. Web-based documents, online grade reports, and related materials are not acceptable. If an applicant is admitted, they will be required to supply official transcripts.

For more details regarding these methods of submitting transcripts, please visit The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.

Details regarding what English Proficiency tests are acceptable, the scores required and how to submit scores may be found on the website of Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions office.

Provides the framework for exploration of professional issues in contemporary nursing and health care for nurses pursuing a baccalaureate degree.

Introduction to the concepts and techniques for the provision of culturally competent care within the U.S. and across global contexts.

Study of community health nursing theory and principles applied to the nursing care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.

Exploration and application of leadership and management concepts as applied to nursing practice and the health care environment.

Examination of informatics in health care emphasizing clinical information systems and the use of the information technology (IT) applications to support nursing practice.

Examination of principles, competencies, and practices that support interprofessional collaboration, a culture of safety, and improve patient outcomes.

Study of concepts, application and implementation of evidence based nursing for transforming quality health care.

Approved Nursing elective courses include:

Nursing Courses:
Nursing 4150 Epidemiology Concepts in Nursing and Global Healthcare

Nursing Advancement Courses
NRSADVN 3110 Health Assessment Across the Lifespan
NRSADVN 3111 Palliative and End of Life Care
NRSADVN 3112 Failure to Rescue in Nursing

Nursing in School Health Services Certificate Courses
Nursing 3115 School Health Roles and Responsibilities
Nursing 3116 Management of School Health Services
Nursing 3117 Children with Special Needs in School

Primary Care Certificate Courses
NRSADVN 3117 RN Practice in Primary Care
NRSADVN 3116 EBP Health Coaching in Interprofessional Practice
NRSADVN 3115 Telehealth Assessment and Management in Primary Care
NRSADVN 3114 Care Coordination and Transition in Care
NRSADVN 3113 RN Practice in Primary Care and Substance Use Disorder

Health and Wellness Courses
HW 2102 Optimizing Personal Health, Happiness and Well-being
HW 2110 Health Athlete
HW 2210 Dimensions of Wellness and Resilience
HW 2220 Wellness in Chronic Conditions I
HW 3220 Health Promotion Strategies for People with Chronic Conditions
HW 3230 Coaching for Health Improvement