Best States for Nurses: OHIO

Ohio is among the best states for nurses, with a favorable career outlook and growth opportunities. Satisfaction in a nursing employment position is impacted by the work environment, state policies and community support in addition to manageable workloads and employment opportunities. Read on to learn how these aspects of nursing are exemplified in the Buckeye State.

Becoming a Nurse in Ohio

The rewards of becoming a nurse in Ohio are plentiful and available to individuals looking to choose nursing as a second career. Becoming a nurse in Ohio is good if you want supportive professional organizations and opportunities to pursue advanced practice nursing within diverse work settings.

According to the 2023 Ohio workforce data (made public by the Ohio Board of Nursing), approximately 72% of RNs and 64% of APRNs who responded to the survey reported working between 31 and 40 hours per week in nursing. These statistics reflect the potential for an enjoyable work-life balance for Ohio nurses.

Are Nurses in Demand in Ohio?

Nurses are in demand throughout the country, with approximately 194,500 employment openings projected each year from 2023 to 2033. Growth projection for RNs in Ohio is faster than the nation’s average, with 7% projected growth from 2020-2030.

Current job outlook and growth projections

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% rise in the employment of RNs from 2023 to 2033. Ohio has a higher share of RN employment than average when compared to other states, with total employment of roughly 133,300 nurses (not including those who are self-employed).

Areas with the highest demand for nurses

There are relatively high concentrations of jobs for RNs in both northern and southern parts of Ohio. The BLS reports both North Northeastern and Southern nonmetropolitan Ohio to be one of the highest employment of RNs in nonmetropolitan areas throughout the country. The BLS also reports for every 1,000 jobs posted in the Cleveland-Elyria area 30 of them are for registered nurses. 

Hospitals and Facilities / Career Opportunities in Ohio

Ohio is home to several large hospitals and healthcare facilities including:

• Cleveland Clinic
• ProMedica Healthcare System
• OhioHealth Network
• Several university hospitals

Job opportunities for nurses in Ohio are not limited to hospitals but also include environments such as outpatient and ambulatory clinics, community health centers, school settings and nursing and residential care facilities.

Specializations and Career Advancement Options

With continued professional experience, nurses in Ohio can pursue specialty certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in areas like:

• Nursing case management
• Ambulatory care
• Gerontological nursing
• Pain management
• Pediatric nursing

With experience and mentorship, nurses can continue to advance in their careers and become specialists in a niche area of nursing care. Certifications and experience may contribute to an increased nurse salary in Ohio.

RN Salary in Ohio

When evaluating potential career options, you may wonder how much nurses make in Ohio. According to the BLS, the average RN salary in Ohio was approximately $84,430 annually ($40.59 hourly) in May 2023. This is slightly lower than the average RN salary in the country but is offset by Ohio being one of the 10 lowest cost-of-living states.

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How Long Does it Take to Become an RN in Ohio?

If you are researching how to become a nurse in Ohio, you might wonder about the time investment required to earn a nursing degree. Completion timelines range from approximately one and a half to four years depending on the degree program and prior education.

Typical Timeline for Nursing Education

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is required to become an RN, and ADN graduates can complete an RN-BSN program for additional education and mastery of baccalaureate nursing competencies. A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program typically takes four years. However, accelerated BSN programs are available for individuals with a prior bachelor’s degree who are looking to earn a BSN degree faster.

The BSN degree is preferred by employers and is foundational for admission into a graduate nursing education program. Graduate nursing education includes preparation for advanced practice roles (including nurse practitioner specialties) as well as nursing education, nursing informatics and nursing administration options.

Accelerated Programs for Second-Career Nurses

Individuals who have earned a prior bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field have the option to leverage this education and enter an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program (sometimes called a second-degree program). These accelerated options are the quickest way for second-career nurses to graduate and enter the nursing workforce. Some ABSN programs offer online coursework and in-person clinical experiences to complete the required nursing education conveniently and effectively.

Prerequisites for Accelerated Nursing Programs

Before entering nursing school to complete an ABSN program, there are prerequisite courses that must be completed. These typically include topics like:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Chemistry and microbiology
• General psychology
• Statistics
• Health care ethics

Prerequisites help ensure the foundational material necessary for nursing education has been completed before students are immersed in the core nursing program.

Licensure Requirements: How to Become a Nurse in Ohio

The steps to obtaining nursing licensure in Ohio have similarities with other states, where the first step is to complete nursing education. The RN licensure process can be found on the Ohio Board of Nursing website including applications and continuing education mandates for currently licensed Ohio nurses.

After completing a board-approved nursing education program, RN licensure applicants must pass the national licensure examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) to be eligible for Ohio nursing licensure. A criminal background check is also required for nursing licensure as a precaution for public safety.

Become a Registered Nurse in Ohio with an ABSN from Cleveland State University

An exciting future in Ohio nursing is possible for aspiring individuals who want to become RNs. Cleveland State University (CSU) offers an Online Accelerated BSN (ABSN) that includes online coursework and two residency experiences along with in-person clinical rotations to help you refine clinical skills.

Additional program features include:

• Affordable tuition
• Complementary clinical placement support
• NCLEX preparation throughout the program
• Required clinical hours and focused lab time
• Completion in just 16 months with a full-time schedule

For more information on CSU’s online accelerated BSN program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), visit the online program page and request your program guide today.