Across Ohio, nurses provide quality patient care every day. In the Cincinnati metropolitan area, nursing school prepares graduates for careers in this rewarding, growing field.
Nursing programs in Cincinnati, Ohio, train students to become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) who work in the region’s hospitals, residential care facilities, and doctor’s offices. In a nursing program, students strengthen their nursing skills through classes, laboratories, and clinical experiences. What exactly are the benefits of attending nursing school, and what is the job outlook for Ohio nurses?
What Are the Benefits of Nursing School in Cincinnati?
Enrolling in a nursing program in Cincinnati can be a smart investment. Nurses are in demand in Ohio, and nursing school can provide a direct path into healthcare. Many nurses in Ohio also have opportunities for career growth.
Specialized Healthcare Knowledge: During nursing school, students gain specialized training in patient care, health assessment, and diagnostic testing. They also complete clinical requirements to strengthen hands-on skills.
Accelerated Path to the Workforce: Nursing programs, such as practical nursing and Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, offer a faster path to the workforce than many careers that require a four-year degree. Students can earn a diploma or an ADN in one to two years.
Career Advancement: Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) — who are called state-tested nurse aides (STNAs) in Ohio — can advance their careers by earning a practical nursing diploma to become LPNs, while LPNs can earn an ADN to become RNs. These career advancement opportunities can lead to greater professional opportunities and expanded job prospects.
Types of Nursing Programs in Cincinnati
Nurses work at several different levels and in a wide range of nursing specializations. Nursing programs in Cincinnati, Ohio, train nurses for many of these diverse careers.
Practical Nursing
A practical nursing diploma prepares graduates for licensure as practical nurses. During the program, students strengthen their clinical decision-making and patient safety skills. They also study infection control, pharmacological therapies, and health promotion.
Practical nursing students develop strong communication, collaboration, and clinical skills. Supervised clinical experiences help students develop their patient care abilities.
Earning a practical nursing diploma at Fortis takes as little as 60 weeks, or just over a year. These programs prepare nursing students for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). After passing the exam, graduates must seek licensure from the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Practical Nursing Courses
Diploma programs in practical nursing train learners in basic nursing skills, patient care, and quality improvement. Students complete practical nursing clinical components to apply their skills in healthcare settings.
Practical nursing courses include the following:
Anatomy and physiology
Basic nursing practice
Intravenous therapy
Community-based nursing
Human nutrition
Associate Degree in Nursing
Prospective nurses can prepare for entry-level RN roles by earning an ADN. These programs emphasize client-centered, holistic care, covering evidence-based practice, the nursing process, and continuity of care.
In an ADN program, students develop clinical decision-making and communication skills while learning to apply theoretical knowledge to nursing practice.
Completing an ADN program at Fortis takes as little as two years, which includes clinical experience. This degree meets the Ohio Board of Nursing’s educational requirements for RN licensure. Graduates qualify for entry-level nursing positions and have the option to enroll in a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program to advance their education and take on additional clinical responsibilities.
ADN Courses
A two-year ADN program includes core nursing courses, general education requirements, and clinical training. Nursing students also complete hands-on laboratory and clinical requirements. Common clinical sites include hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other medical facilities.
In an ADN program, students complete the following courses:
Anatomy and physiology
Health assessment
Pharmacology
Medical-surgical nursing
Community nursing
Mental health nursing
Nursing Careers and Job Outlook in Cincinnati
Nurses in Ohio benefit from a strong job outlook. An aging population and increased demand for medical services creates a need for nurses in many specializations. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and residential care facilities.
Between 2023 and 2033, employment of LPNs is expected to increase by 3% nationally, while employment of RNs is expected to increase by 6%, according to the BLS.
The Greater Cincinnati region could see even greater demand for nurses, with a projected growth of 4.2% for LPNs and 8.2% for RNs between 2020 and 2030, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Enroll in Fortis Nursing Programs in Cincinnati, Ohio
Ready to launch or advance your nursing career in the Cincinnati metropolitan area? At its Cincinnati campus, Fortis offers Practical Nursing and ADN programs, both approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing to educate nurses for licensure.
By combining classroom instruction, flexible online learning, small-group laboratories, and hands-on clinical experiences, Fortis builds the knowledge and nursing skills that nurses need. Graduates can take their NCLEX exams, earn a nursing license, and pursue careers in nursing. Contact Fortis today to learn more about its nursing programs in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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