Accelerated Nursing Programs in Ohio: What to Know Before Relocating

If you’re interested in getting on the fast track toward a nursing career and have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, there are accelerated nursing programs in Ohio to consider. Relocating to Ohio for nursing school could be a great option if you’re interested in attending school amidst a thriving healthcare scene and crave flexible learning options. In particular, moving to Ohio to attend Xavier University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program could allow you to graduate in as few as 16 months.

Before making the decision to relocate, you’ll likely have some questions to consider. How much do nurses make in Ohio, and what’s the job growth rate like? You’ll also want to consider what you can expect from life as a nursing student in Cleveland or Columbus.

Why Consider Nursing Schools in Ohio?

Ohio offers a world of possibilities for nursing students. With high-quality nursing programs and strong job growth, it’s a great place to be as a future nurse. Plus, moving to Ohio offers:

• Affordable cost of living, ranking 22nd nationally
• Environment diversity, with both rural and urban areas
• Top healthcare facilities in which to gain clinical experience

In addition, Ohio is a member of the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC). That means you can easily apply for a multistate license when ready to take the NCLEX. With a multistate license, you can practice as a nurse in any of the member jurisdictions.

Top Reasons Students Are Moving to Ohio for Nursing School

Why are nursing students headed to Xavier, of all the nursing schools in Ohio? Here at Xavier University, we can accept a high number of qualified ABSN students into our School of Nursing every year for reasons that include:

• ABSN program locations in Cleveland and Columbus
• Three ABSN program start dates at both locations
• Online coursework that increases the reach of our faculty
• Ample clinical placements in diverse areas of nursing practice
• Jesuit education that infuses values in the curriculum
• No waitlist required
• Only four prerequisites required to get started

Life in Ohio: What to Expect as a Nursing Student

Both Cleveland and Columbus have a thriving healthcare scene, which means our ABSN students have access to some of the best hospital networks in the country. Columbus, for example, boasts OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Meanwhile, Cleveland offers MetroHealth Medical Center and the renowned Cleveland Clinic, which is nationally ranked in 13 specialties and 11 children’s health specialties.

No matter where you complete your clinical rotations, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make a great impression. It’s not uncommon for high-performing nursing students to receive a job offer thanks to their clinical placements.

Is Ohio a good place to live? Cleveland and Columbus are great places for nursing students to get ahead in life. But what is it about these cities that makes them truly unique? If you decide to attend our accelerated nursing program in Ohio, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know your new city and all that it has to offer.

Cleveland at a Glance

Nestled against Lake Erie’s southern shore, Cleveland is the second-most populous city in the state. It was named after General Moses Cleaveland, who founded the city in 1796.

If you’re thinking of moving to Ohio to attend our ABSN program in Cleveland, you might be interested in the following fun facts about the city:

• Cleveland is nicknamed The Forest City, a reference to Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America.
• The Playhouse Square Center is the second-largest performing arts venue in the U.S.
• Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster created Superman while they were in school in Cleveland.
• Athlete Jesse Owens hailed from Cleveland.

Plenty of Choices in the Cleveland Dining Scene

Cleveland offers a diverse restaurant scene, with cuisines and options ranging from casual eateries and quick bites to fine dining for date night. No matter your preference, whether steakhouse, BBQ or beyond, there’s something for everyone.

Some of Cleveland’s best restaurants include:

• Abundance Culinary
• Acqua di Dea
• Astoria Café & Market
• Batuqui
• Larder Delicatessen and Bakery
• The Pompadour
• Szechuan Gourmet

Exciting Things to Do and See

You’ll never run out of fun things to do and see in Cleveland. From the West Side Market to the reportedly haunted Franklin Castle, you’ll have plenty to choose from when taking a break from studying. Consider the following options:

• A Christmas Story House
• Cedar Point Amusement Park
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
• Cleveland Orchestra
• Greater Cleveland Aquarium
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
• The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland is also a sports town. You can see the Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Monsters or Cleveland Cavaliers.

Columbus at a Glance

Columbus is the capital of Ohio and the largest city in the state. Founded in 1812, the city gets its name from explorer Christopher Columbus. Columbus is one of the largest cities in the country based on population. It’s also among the cities with significant population growth in recent years, which may speak to the many opportunities it offers. Perhaps even more interesting is that nearly half of the residents in the United States live within 500 miles of the city.

Columbus is also one of the youngest cities in the country, with a median age of 33.4 years of age, compared to the median age of 39.9 for the entirety of Ohio. Thanks to its historic neighborhoods, booming downtown arts and sports districts, open attitude and affordable quality of life, the city is gaining nationwide recognition.

A Food and Beer Scene to Savor

Columbus has an amazing and diverse culinary scene, with destination-worthy restaurants that include Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, Veritas and Watershed Kitchen & Bar. It also ranks among the top five U.S. cities for beer production, with notable breweries such as Hoof Hearted Brewing, Columbus Brewing Company and Zaftig Brewing Company.

A Cultural Scene That Deserves a Standing Ovation

The cultural scene in Columbus is thriving, with more than enough places for you to go and enjoy the visual and performing arts. From the Columbus Museum of Art and the Short North Stage to the Columbus Dance Theatre and the Opera Columbus, the city leaves no cultural stone unturned.

Salary and Career Outlook for Ohio Nurses

It’s only natural to wonder what you can expect from your nursing career after you graduate with your bachelor’s degree and pass the NCLEX. You’ll be happy to know that Ohio offers a thriving healthcare scene for nurses.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses in Ohio earned a median annual salary of $81,250 as of May 2024. The state also offers a robust job market for nurses, with an anticipated need for 122,640 nurses in 2025. The number of new nurses expected to be hired in Ohio is 1,950.

Still Looking for Advice on Moving to Ohio for Nursing School?

If you’re ready to make Ohio your new home and pursue a quality nursing education here, contact our admissions team today and request a free copy of our Cleveland or Columbus relocation guide. Within each guide, we spotlight local neighborhoods, points of interest, public transportation options and important community contacts. If you’re searching for a roommate, your admissions adviser can also help connect you with other students relocating for the program.

At Xavier, you’ll be able to get started sooner, with no waitlist and three start dates each year, plus just four prerequisites required. Enjoy personalized attention from our Academic Success Coaches and get ready to excel on the NCLEX with our prep resources.

Reach out today with any questions you may have about our accelerated nursing program in Ohio.