Nursing Programs in Columbus Ohio
Healthcare is a cornerstone of society. A city that does not have adequate healthcare options for its residents can expect to see the overall quality of life decrease rapidly. For that reason, beginning a nursing career in Columbus, Ohio can be very rewarding for you. Whether you decide to become a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or advanced practice nurse, a nursing degree can pave the way for a long and meaningful career. Your work can also strengthen your community, as nurses help the 850,000 people living in Columbus get prompt, effective healthcare.
Nursing Schools in Columbus, OH Area
This city has quite a few training options for new nurses. There are a handful of schools in Columbus, offering programs at the diploma, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, and Master’s degree level. In the city of Columbus, licensed practical nurses report an average salary of $41,540 per year, while registered nurses earn an average of $64,750 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Nurse practitioners claim an average income of $96,810 per year, compared to an average salary of $145,730 per year for nurse anesthetists (BLS, 2016).
Curriculum, Costs, and Financial Aid
One of the keys to succeeding as a nursing student is choosing the right nursing programs. Columbus, OH schools provide options that lead to LPN diplomas, registered nursing Associate’s degrees and Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees. As you compare schools, look into clinical requirements at each program and consider choosing a program that offers substantial clinical experience. The more time you spend working with patients as a student, the more comfortable you may be when you start working independently.
Curricular expectations vary from level to level. LPN programs in Columbus, Ohio generally require about one year of full-time study. Courses in this program may include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Practical Nursing Care Across the Lifespan
- Introduction to Holistic Care
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Practical Nursing Care of Diverse Clients
- Practical Nursing Child Health
- Practical Nursing Drug Classifications
Tuition and financial aid are complicated subjects that can really influence your school choice. The average cost of tuition at a Columbus school is $11,800 per year, but don’t just look at tuition. You can learn more by comparing financial aid programs, since a strong financial aid program can outweigh high tuition costs. On top of school-specific financial aid options, look into grants and scholarships awarded by local organizations. The Ohio Center for Nursing has several distinct nursing scholarships.
Throughout this process, ensure that you are meeting the expectations of the State of Ohio Board of Nursing. They verify your credentials before allowing you to take the NCLEX-RN and earn your license. Approved nursing programs in Columbus, Ohio should meet educational expectations by default.
Life and Career Options in Columbus, OH Area
You may wonder why nursing schools in Columbus, Ohio are such a popular option for nurses of all levels. Not only does this city have many people that rely on nurses, it has a strong community of nurses that support each other and work to improve the field as a whole. The Ohio Nurses Association is a statewide organization that provides in-demand training opportunities to nurses, holds networking events, and advocates for nurses within the legislative arena. Groups like this allow Ohio nurses to benefit from special training programs, such as a recent course that taught advanced wound care to registered nurses (AdvanceWeb, 2016).
Once you complete your nursing education in Ohio, you may find that Columbus healthcare facilities meet a variety of your employment needs. Quite a few institutions have tuition assistance programs that enable working nurses to take the next step in their education without taking on excessive student debt. Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Wexner Medical Center, and OhioHealth are just a few local institutions with these programs. When you start working in healthcare, you may get the chance to work in a Magnet facility, which may help you get experience in specialized areas of healthcare and learn about new techniques. Facilities that have earned Magnet Recognition include Grants Medical Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Riverside Methodist Hospital, and Richard J. Solve Research Institute.
