The RN to BSN Completion Program at Cincinnati State is a high-quality, efficient, and affordable path for registered nurses to earn their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). With demand and compensation for BSNs growing regionally and nationally, Cincinnati State is an RN’s best choice.
Our program can be completed in as little as 3 semesters. We are currently accepting applications for enrollment in the fall semester of 2025. Apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
Why Students Love This Program
What Our Students Are Saying
- “The hands-on training in the laboratory, clinical rotations, and simulations closely aligned with lecture content, preparing me to practice safely, effectively, and confidently as a Registered Nurse. Cincinnati State equipped me with the education and skills needed to enter and practice in healthcare with a strong foundation, sense of purpose, and understanding of my scope of practice. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have received such an outstanding and extraordinary education.” – Mariah S.
RN to BSN Completion Program Steps and Dates
Apply to Cincinnati State
Required | Takes about 5 minutes
The first step in your college journey starts by applying today! It’s free, fast, and a step toward a brighter future. All you need to do is fill out an online form.
- Biographical information
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Go to Apply Now.
- Create an account.
- Select “Main application” and choose [RNBSN] “RN to BSN Completion Program” as your intended program of study.
- The form can save your progress — finish and submit when ready!
Admissions staff can assist you in person or by phone.
- Admissions Office
- Phone: 513-861-7700
- Email: adm@cincinnatistate.edu
Submit Your Transcripts
Required | Takes minutes to weeks
Contact your high school(s) (and past colleges you attended, if applicable) and have them send your official transcripts to Cincinnati State. However, this step is waived for students transferring 18 or more credit hours from another college.
Official transcripts from ALL prior high schools or undergraduate colleges attended are required. You’ll need to request them from each school.
See each individual school’s website for their transcript request process – which is usually simple and handled via an online form. Electronic transmittal is best.
- Visit your previous school(s) website for instructions on requesting transcripts
- Request electronic transmittal if possible – it’s faster!
To complete your application, you’ll need to provide official transcripts from all of the high schools and colleges attended. While these schools tend to do the submissions for you, you must request them. Start this step ASAP – as some schools take longer to fulfill your request – especially if your school handles requests manually.
Check the Admissions Page for detailed steps based on your student type (e.g., new, transfer, returning).
Help
- Admissions Office
- Phone: 513-861-7700
- Email: adm@cincinnatistate.edu
Receive Admission Decision
Happens Automatically
Find out if you’ve been officially admitted to the college so you can take the next steps.
- Access to the email address you used for your application
- Or to check your admission status online, your Application Portal login credentials (the account you created when applying)
- Check your email
- Or, log into the Application Portal with the account you created when applying
You’ll be notified via email about your admission status to Cincinnati State and next steps automatically once all documents are received and processed. Most applicants are accepted, but it’s a formal decision that allows you to move forward! We’ll review your application quickly, and once admitted you’ll get an email. The email will confirm your acceptance and outline the next steps.
Please note that this step is regarding admission to College. The following programs also require later admission into those specific programs: NUR, NURB, PNC, ST. See later steps regarding admission into a specific program.
If you haven’t received your letter of admission two weeks after all documents were received at Cincy State, please contact the admissions office.
- Admissions Office
- Phone: 513-861-7700
- Email: adm@cincinnatistate.edu
Apply for Financial Aid
Optional but Recommended | About an hour the first time
Complete and submit the FAFSA – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – to qualify for financial aid.
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Parental/guardian information (if filing as a dependent)
- Visit FAFSA
- Complete the form online
- Check your email for a message from the Financial Aid Office at Cincinnati State for next steps
To help fund your education, apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA – the form from the federal government that determines aid eligibility.
Give yourself the best chance by submitting the FAFSA as early as possible — ideally one month before your first semester starts. It’s free and could lead to thousands of dollars in financial aid!
- Visit the Financial Aid Office
- Call: 513-569-1530
- Email: fam@cincinnatistate.edu
Schedule Advisor Meeting
Required | A couple of minutes
Schedule this mandatory meeting in order to register for classes for the first time.
- Student ID# (received upon admission)
- MyCState log-in (received upon admission)
- Schedule online via MyCState/Starfish
- Or, contact Academic Advising.
As a first-semester freshman, you must meet with an advisor before you can register for classes. These appointments must be scheduled in advance. Don’t wait—appointments fill up fast as the first day of the semester approaches.
Advisors help answer your questions, explain class options, and arrange a class schedule. They’re here to do some of the hard work for you!
Meet With Advisor
Required | Up to 1 hour
Complete your mandatory advisor meeting either in-person or virtually where you will also choose and schedule classes for the first time.
- Computer access during your appointment (a smartphone screen is not ideal)
This is your chance to plan your course schedule and ask any questions you may have. Advisors help answer your questions, explain class options, and arrange a class schedule. They’re here to do some of the hard work for you!
- Contact a Pathway Advisor: 513-569-1670
Register for Classes
Required | 15 minutes
Choose the classes you want to take and their times to create your schedule for the semester.
- Your MyCState login credentials
How to Do It
- Go to Cincinnati State Self-Service
- Enroll in course sections online by following the prompts
- For detailed guidance, visit Student Planning
After meeting with your advisor, you’ll be ready to register for your classes. Your advisor will guide you through most of this process during your meeting, but here’s what you need to know to get started.
Classes can fill up, so the sooner you register, the better.
Help- Student Planning
- Registrar or Advisor: 513-569-1522,
- registraroffice@cincinnatistate.edu
FAQ
Is the RN to BSN Completion Program face-to-face or online?
The RN to BSN Completion Program’s nursing courses are full asynchronous online. There is no required in-person theory class attendance. However, there is an in-person clinical learning experience in a community-based organization during the spring semester.
What if I need to take a semester off?
Taking a semester off is not a problem. We encourage you to keep the momentum as you proceed through your classes. Please remember that some classes are offered only during certain semesters.
Am I automatically eligible if I am an RN?
No, you are eligible to apply for RN-BSN program if you graduated from an accredited associate degree in nursing program and hold an active RN license in the United States, in addition to meeting GPA and program pre-requisites.
Am I eligible to do my RN to BSN Completion Program at Cincinnati State if I did not do my RN at Cincinnati State?
Yes, as long as you graduated from an accredited associate degree in nursing program and hold an active RN license in the United States, in addition to meeting GPA and program pre-requisites.
How do I get financial aid?
Submit the free application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA) online.
Apply for a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, which serves as your electronic signature.
Use Cincinnati State School code 010345.
Feel free to reach out to our Office of Financial Aid with any questions. Call (513) 569-1530 or email the team at: fam@cincinnatistate.edu.
Your path at Cincinnati State starts when you apply, but If you’re not quite ready, you can reach out with any and all questions or explore college and program details like key dates, courses, costs and financial aid options via the links below or by requesting your starter kit.