Columbus Nursing School

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Arizona College of Nursing – Columbus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org). Official accreditation notification to CCNE for Columbus is submitted prior to first Semester 5 class start. All Arizona College of Nursing campuses are also institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Recognizing the differences between a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is essential to planning your nursing career path. LPN / LVN programs prepare you to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (sometimes called Licensed Vocational Nurse in certain states). A BSN program prepares you to become a registered nurse (RN).

An LPN generally takes about one to two years to finish. It is designed to prepare students for entry-level nursing roles to perform basic nursing care under the guidance of registered nurses (RNs) and physicians.

A BSN typically takes three to four years to complete and is structured to prepare you for a career as a registered nurse. This provides a comprehensive nursing education that allows you to work in a variety of nursing jobs in Ohio. While pursuing a BSN takes a little more time, it puts you on a path to more career growth opportunities as an RN.

Click here to read our blog post comparing an LPN Program with a BSN Program.

There isn’t a limit to how many times you can retake retake the NCLEX – RN in Ohio, but all applicable exam fees are required each time. You must wait 45 days from the date of exam administration to retake the Ohio NCLEX – RN. After that, you can schedule another exam attempt; however, before this, the candidate must first obtain a new Authorization to Test (ATT) from the Ohio Board of Nursing. Once the ATT is provided, the candidate may begin the process of rescheduling the NCLEX – RN.

Source: https://nursingexams.org/nclex/taking-the-nclex-in-ohio/

Arizona College of Nursing – Columbus has built a full support system to help you at every step of the program. Our student support resources include a student success coach, tutoring sessions, peer mentoring, faculty office hours, NCLEX – RN exam prep class, and more.

Contact our admissions team to learn more about how we support you throughout your nursing education. We’re committed to helping you pursue your goal of becoming an RN.

You can read more about our admissions requirements here [https://www.arizonacollege.edu/admissions/]. For detailed information about the nursing prerequisites for our BSN program, please contact our admissions office. They can provide you with the specific details and answer any questions you may have about our application process.

A nursing assistant provides basic patient care and support, such as helping with daily activities and monitoring vital signs, under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). An RN, on the other hand, typically has more advanced training and responsibilities, including developing and implementing patient care plans, administering medications, and performing complex medical procedures. RNs also oversee and coordinate care provided by nursing assistants and other healthcare staff.

Earning a BSN degree can open doors to more advanced roles and opportunities in the nursing field as an RN. Our nursing school in Columbus is designed to provide the comprehensive education and clinical experience to help advance your career.

Arizona College of Nursing (AZCN) – Columbus is not a 100% online nursing program in Ohio. However, most of our campuses offer some registered nursing classes online. The AZCN curriculum includes a mixture of in-person, online, and blended classes. At the majority of our campuses, many non-clinical courses are offered asynchronously and delivered fully online, while nursing courses with a clinical component are held in-person.

Our general education courses also incorporate a blended learning experience, including night classes for nursing and virtual classes, providing student flexibility. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our online nursing course formats at AZCN Columbus and how you can earn your degree in just three years.

After completing your BSN degree and fulfilling Ohio’s licensing requirements, many nursing career paths may become available to you in the Columbus area.

The following roles represent potential career directions for those who have completed BSN education, passed the NCLEX – RN exam, and obtained proper state licensure. These roles span hospitals, diverse communities, specialized units, and leadership positions.

Hospital-Based Roles in Ohio

Registered Nurse (RN) – The foundation of nursing practice, working in various healthcare settings.

Emergency Room Nurse – Providing urgent care in fast-paced emergency department settings.

ICU Nurse / Critical Care Nurse – Caring for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring intensive monitoring.

Labor and Delivery Nurse – Supporting mothers and newborns through the childbirth process.

OR Nurse / Perioperative Nurse – Assisting in surgical procedures and providing pre/post-operative care.

Specialized Care Roles in Ohio

Pediatric Nurse – Focusing on the healthcare needs of children and adolescents.

Hospice Nurse/Palliative Care Nurse – Providing compassionate end-of-life and comfort care.

Home Health Nurse – Delivering care to patients in their homes, often following hospital discharge.

Forensic Nurse – Working at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system.

Nurse Manager & Administration Roles in Ohio

Charge Nurse – Overseeing nursing operations for a unit during a specific shift.

Nurse Manager – Supervising nursing staff and handling administrative responsibilities. Learn more about becoming a Nurse Manager.

Utilization Review Nurse – Evaluating the necessity and efficiency of healthcare services.

Community & Public Health Roles in Ohio

Public Health Nurse – Addressing community health needs through education and preventative care.

School Nurse – Providing healthcare services in educational settings.

Occupational Health Nurse – Focusing on workplace health and safety.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), registered nurses held about 3.3 million jobs in 2023, with the largest percentage (58%) working in hospitals. Other significant employment settings include ambulatory healthcare services (19%), government agencies (6%), nursing and residential care facilities (5%), and educational services (3%). Data last updated April 18, 2025. Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-3

Important Note: A BSN degree itself does not qualify individuals to work as registered nurses. Additional steps including passing the NCLEX – RN examination and obtaining state licensure are required before pursuing these career opportunities.