Otterbein University

Otterbein University is a distinguished private institution that provides a range of nursing pathways, including a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The undergraduate curriculum requires 120 credit hours, blending liberal arts with professional nursing science. Advanced tracks include a highly competitive Nurse Anesthesia program and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) specializations. The program is recognized for its small class sizes, ensuring that students receive the individual attention necessary to master complex clinical judgment.

The curriculum is designed around hands-on experience, utilizing state-of-the-art simulation laboratories that feature high-fidelity patient manikins. A signature element of the BSN program is the senior year immersion, where students spend their final semester working one-on-one with a nurse preceptor. This provides nearly 200 hours of direct patient care in a single setting, totaling over 600 clinical hours throughout the program. Clinical rotations are held at top-tier facilities, including OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, covering specialties from acute care to community health.

Graduates are exceptionally prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with recent cohorts achieving a 100% first-time pass rate. Otterbein is consistently ranked as a "College of Distinction" for its nursing program and is noted for its 100% job placement rate. Compared to larger public universities in the Columbus area, Otterbein offers a more intimate, supportive environment that prioritizes student-faculty collaboration and community-based service learning.