How to Become a Nurse Administrator in Ohio
Many nurse administrators are employed at hospitals, but they usually work in an office rather than out on the floor—where you’ll find much of their staff. If you are a nurse administrator working for a healthcare system with various facilities, you might find yourself traveling between them to perform functions at each location. You may also find employment as a nurse administrator in a clinic, long-term care facility, research facility, school or other medical care settings.
Occupational Outlook for Nurse Administrators in Ohio
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a nurse administrator in Ohio makes around $94,718, but the salary can fall between $85,630 and $104,988. Salaries are based upon considerations such as experience and level of education, so they may differ from one employer to the next. Your potential income may also be affected by factors such as the employer’s location, credentials and other factors.
As the need for registered nursing continues to increase, the job outlook for nurse administrators remains equally robust and is growing steadily. Certified, competent nurses will always be essential to taking the next step into supervisory roles. For an RN intent on stepping into a more challenging role in their career, the nurse administrator position offers greater pay and expanded responsibilities. This career path offers a chance to take on a leadership role in a situation that provides more regular hours and increased benefits.
How to Become a Nurse Administrator in Ohio
Before becoming a nurse administrator in Ohio, you must first obtain a license as a registered nurse. This requires a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an active, unfettered nursing license. Additionally, some employers might require that you have a master’s degree. Personal knowledge can play a big part in landing a nurse administrator job. Your reputation, skills and knowledge are valuable assets that will play a key role in whether an employer chooses you over other candidates for the position.
Where you attended college can also factor into an employer’s decision about hiring you. Currently, at least 58 universities in Ohio offer an undergraduate BSN degree. The tuition you pay can be affected by decisions like the school you select, the sort of degree you achieve, and how you choose to attend classes. You may prefer to take courses online, in person or a combination of both.
Students finalizing their BSN at an Ohio University have a high success rate in passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses
(NCLEX-RN). Completing your degree in this state puts you in an ideal position for immediate employment upon licensure. It will serve you well as you move into a future nurse administrator role.
Top Ranking Advanced Nursing Programs in Ohio
The list of colleges below includes some top schools based on the strength of their program, affordability and student success rates.
1. The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CCNHS) in Cincinnati has an impressive 100% NCLEX passing rate. It offers yearly tuition of about $16,637 for state residents.
CCNHS is a nationally recognized religion-based nursing and health sciences university. They excel at educating quality nurses. Their BSN program proudly demonstrates a perfect NCLEX pass rate for their graduating students. Add to this the affordable tuition rate, and you can’t go wrong with choosing CCNHS to obtain the education you need to enter the nursing field. Their core curriculum is followed by an intense final year of practical skills that prepares their graduates for success. They also offer an RN to BSN program which allows current registered nurses to achieve their BSN degree in only three semesters.
2. University of Mount Union
The University of Mount Union (Mount) in Alliance holds a remarkable 100% NCLEX passing rate and offers yearly tuition of around $31,300 for state residents.
Mount takes a good bit of the stress felt when applying for nursing school out of the equation. Unlike other schools, students do not have to wait until they have completed their core curriculum to apply. Instead, they are admitted to nursing school as part of their original college admission, taking the pressure away from having to wait a second time for access to the specialized program. Though their BSN program was established five years ago, they have already shown the excellence they provide, with every student who has graduated passing the NCLEX exam.
3. Otterbein University
Otterbein University (OU) in Westerville is another university with an extraordinary 100% NCLEX passing rate and offers yearly tuition of about $31,874 for state residents.
The Church of the United Brethren founded OU in 1847 with the desire that it be inclusive. They were the first US college to allow women as instructors and students. They admitted Black students before the Civil War and Japanese-American students who had been sent to internment camps in WWII when other colleges were still turning them away. This culture of inclusivity has expanded over the years. It is evident in all of their programs, including their top-notch BSN program. Though admission to this private university is selective, students are guaranteed a slot in nursing school right out of high school. There are ample opportunities for scholarships, grants and loans to help with the costs.
4. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University (Case) in Cleveland boasts a 97.30% NCLEX passing rate and offers reasonable yearly tuition of about $50,450 for state residents.
Case has one of the best BSN programs in the country. Their curriculum wastes no time putting students in a position for hands-on instruction, presenting academic foundations and clinical practice side by side from the first semester of classes. The tuition for this private university is a bit steeper than some of its counterparts. Still, it provides students with a solid general education and exceptional nursing training, including more than 1,300 service hours and a high NCLEX pass rate.
5. Ursuline College
Ursuline College (UC) in Pepper Pike boasts a 96.43% NCLEX passing rate and offers yearly tuition of about $33,120 for state residents.
This small, private college is just as impressive as its much larger counterparts regarding the quality of its BSN program. In addition to classroom instruction and firsthand preparation, professors send their students to national conferences where they can network and involve themselves in a real-world nursing environment. Graduates from UC are well respected and sought after, setting them up for immediate employment with quality employers after graduating and licensure.
These are the leading schools, but other excellent universities are available to provide the education you’ll need to realize your objective of becoming a nurse administrator. Exploring the programs and outlook for graduates from any school will give you a clearer idea of what they offer. Do some research, and you’ll find the right school for you.
Additional Requirements to Become a Nurse Administrator in Ohio
Once you’ve completed your BSN degree, you must pass the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) exam to become a licensed registered nurse. In addition to providing satisfactory transcripts and paying appropriate fees, the OBN requires that you pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
Next, you must pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain a nursing license in Ohio. After you’ve submitted the information required to apply for the exam administered by Pearson VUE, you will receive permission to take the NCLEX-RN.
Applying to Become a Nurse Administrator
When you apply for a position as a nurse administrator, employers will want to see your qualifications. Although you may be able to get a job at a smaller medical facility right out of college, most hiring managers will want to see a mix of proven skills and certifications to go with the essential requirement of holding a valid RN license without any encumberments. Adding previous management positions and any credentials you achieve along the way will be a bonus in landing your first nursing administrator position.
Upon acquiring your license, you should seek immediate employment as a registered nurse to increase your chances of getting your first job as a nursing administrator. This will allow you to acquire the work history, skills and knowledge needed to excel in your career choice. During your employment as an RN, you will need to complete all continuing education credits and keep your license in good standing. Any hiccups can poorly reflect your ability to organize and impact potential employment as a nurse administrator.
The competition for a position as a nurse administrator can be intense. There are fewer positions and more requirements than obtaining a position as a registered nurse. However, you can become an accomplished and well-paid nurse administrator with a quality education, a decent employment record and outstanding references.