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Why Nursing?

Kent State University College of Nursing

One of the nation’s largest and most respected nursing schools – the College of Nursing is preparing tomorrow’s successful, globally-engaged and culturally-savvy health care leaders.

Answer Your Calling. Be a Kent State nurse.

Kent State offers nursing programs for everyone, from BSN to DNP & Ph.D.

 

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New Freshmen & Transfers

Become an in-demand registered nurse (RN) by completing one of the most highly respected Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs in the nation. Offered at 5 campuses located throughout northeast Ohio, our program features clinical courses in a wide variety of settings and leading-edge simulation experiences. Our NCLEX pass rate is 96%!

First year nursing students gathering during Welcome Week
Second Degree BSN & BSN Bridge Programs

Today’s nurses need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to stay prepared in the ever-changing health care field. That’s why Kent State offers flexible programs for Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practice Nurses (LPNs), Allied Health professionals, and non-nurses who already have a bachelor’s degree, to earn a BSN. Complete the BSN in much less time than traditional, 4-year students.

A male nursing student poses in front of the Kent State archway near the Architecture building, near the esplanade extension to downtown Kent
Advanced Nursing Degrees (MSN & DNP)

Move forward in your career in an advanced nursing role, such as clinical nurse specialist (CNS), nurse administrator & leader, nurse educator, or nurse practitioner (NP). Our flexible programs include many online courses and can be completed full or part-time. Some are 100% online and can be done remotely by nurses living in any eligible state.

Photo of Nursing graduate student working with a nursing faculty in the simulation lab
Doctoral Nursing Degrees (DNP & Ph.D.)

Earning a doctorate can advance your career to the highest level in teaching, research, clinical practice, and more. Kent State offers both the practice-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and the research-focused Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph.D.). Both programs feature highly-experienced and respected faculty and are also surprisingly affordable.

A doctoral student being hooded by her advisor at graduation
Online Degrees & Certificates

You are more than a number when you complete a degree or certificate online at Kent State, a leader in online education. We strive to provide online students the same attention and support as if they were attending class on-campus. We offer 100% online nursing programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate, and doctoral levels.

A DNP student studies her coursework on her laptop via the Internet

Welcome from Dean Versie Johnson-Mallard, Ph.D., RN, APRN, FAANP, FAAN

Photo of Dean Versie Johnson Mallard

Kent State University is the largest public multi-campus system in Northeast Ohio, with campuses serving nine local communities.  

We are one KSU, proud of KSU’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students, collaborative culture, exceptional academic and research orientation, and strong commitment to engagement; academic excellence; where everyone is valued and supported in their pursuit of success. The College of Nursing has a 50-year history as an institution providing exceptional nursing education.

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LATEST NEWS
Jul 18, 2025
Kent State Graduate and OJIN Editor Honored with International Editorial Leadership Award
Jul 16, 2025
Northeast Ohio's Finest: Nursing Preceptors Celebrated at Kent State
Jun 30, 2025
There's No Place Like Home for a Nursing Career
Jun 09, 2025
Ohio Lieutenant Governor Visits Kent State Geauga, Touts Nursing Program as Job Creator
May 05, 2025
One Year of Wellness on Wheels
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UPCOMING EVENTS

 

CCNE Accredited seal

 

NLN Center of Excellence logo

 

US News Nursing Badge_BSN

 

The Kent State University College of Nursing is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing to award the Baccalaureate of Nursing Degree. Graduates of this program meet educational eligibility requirements to take the National Certification and Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN). For specific state RN licensure, students should contact the states in which they are interested in working. See the National Council of State Boards website and the Kent State Professional Licensure website for specific information about each state.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Kent State University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) concentrations within the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and APRN Certificates, along with the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-to-DNP) program qualify graduates to sit for national APRN certification and APRN licensure in Ohio.  States other than Ohio may have additional requirements to apply for or obtain an APRN license, including but not limited to specific state examinations, letters of recommendation, or proof of completion of an accredited nursing program. The College of Nursing is in the process of collecting information from all states and has not yet made a determination whether graduates from the Kent State University College of Nursing MSN, Certificate, and BSN-to-DNP programs meet the requirements for APRN licensure outside the state of Ohio.

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