Top 30 Nursing Schools in Akron (2025)

Nursing education in Akron and its surrounding areas offers diverse opportunities for aspiring healthcare professionals. From large universities to specialized career centers, the region provides programs ranging from practical nursing certificates to advanced degrees. These schools combine classroom learning, simulation lab practice, and clinical rotations to prepare students for patient care in various healthcare settings. With strong community partnerships, supportive faculty, and modern facilities, nursing schools in Akron have developed a reputation for producing competent, compassionate graduates ready to meet the demands of the healthcare industry.

Top 30 Nursing Schools in Akron

1. University of Akron – School of Nursing

The University of Akron’s School of Nursing offers a wide range of programs, including BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and doctoral degrees. Students benefit from modern simulation labs, strong clinical partnerships, and experienced faculty. The curriculum focuses on evidence-based practice and leadership skills, preparing graduates for diverse healthcare settings. Financial aid opportunities and career services support students throughout their academic journey. The school is recognized for producing well-prepared nurses with solid NCLEX-RN pass rates and strong community engagement.

2. Kent State University College of Nursing

Located in nearby Kent, this college offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing programs. Students can pursue traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. pathways. The program emphasizes clinical excellence, leadership, and research, with access to advanced simulation labs and diverse clinical placements. Online and hybrid options offer flexibility for working professionals. Known for high NCLEX pass rates, the college is committed to preparing nurses who excel in patient care, public health, and healthcare leadership roles across various settings.

3. Herzing University – Akron Campus

Herzing University’s Akron campus provides career-focused nursing programs designed for flexibility and fast completion. Offerings include ASN/ADN, BSN, and MSN tracks, many available in hybrid or online formats. The school supports students with academic advising, career placement assistance, and financial aid resources. Programs emphasize hands-on learning through simulation labs and clinical rotations. With frequent program start dates, Herzing caters to students seeking an accelerated path into nursing while ensuring they develop the skills needed for high-quality patient care.

4. Hondros College of Nursing – Akron Campus

Hondros College offers LPN, ADN, and BSN completion programs at its Akron location. Designed for career changers and working adults, courses use a concept-based curriculum and combine classroom instruction with simulation labs and clinical experiences. Students benefit from multiple enrollment periods throughout the year. The college provides dedicated support services, including tutoring and career guidance. Its programs are accredited and focused on preparing graduates for licensure exams and entry into the nursing profession with confidence and competence.

5. Stark State College – Akron

Stark State College’s Akron location offers accessible nursing pathways, including practical nursing, associate degree nursing, and LPN-to-RN transitions. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, with training provided in labs, simulations, and clinical settings. Small class sizes allow for personalized instruction. Tuition rates are affordable, and financial aid is available. Partnerships with universities provide seamless transfer options for students seeking a BSN. Stark State is well-regarded for producing capable, workforce-ready nurses in the local healthcare community.

6. Akron School of Practical Nursing

This vocational institution specializes in preparing students for careers as licensed practical nurses. The program covers essential nursing skills, patient care techniques, and pharmacology, supported by clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities. Small class sizes and experienced instructors create a supportive learning environment. Students are trained to pass the NCLEX-PN exam and enter the workforce quickly. The program appeals to those seeking a shorter route into nursing while gaining strong foundational skills for future career advancement.

7. Walsh University – Byers School of Nursing

Located in North Canton, Walsh University offers nursing degrees including BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The Byers School of Nursing focuses on holistic patient care and ethical practice. Students engage in hands-on learning through clinical placements and state-of-the-art simulation labs. Faculty members bring real-world experience into the classroom, fostering critical thinking and leadership skills. Walsh also offers direct entry into nursing for qualified high school graduates, making it an attractive option for students seeking a faith-based education in healthcare.

8. Malone University – School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Malone University in Canton offers BSN and RN-to-BSN programs that emphasize both clinical expertise and compassionate care. Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a values-driven curriculum grounded in Christian principles. Clinical experiences are arranged in diverse healthcare environments, providing a broad skill base. The school’s strong community ties offer networking opportunities for graduates. Its focus on integrity, service, and professional competence prepares students for rewarding careers in nursing and advanced healthcare roles.

9. Cleveland Clinic Akron General School of Nursing

Part of the Cleveland Clinic health system, this school offers nursing education that is closely connected to clinical practice. Students receive training in a hospital-based environment with access to experienced nursing mentors and state-of-the-art medical facilities. Programs are designed to integrate theory with hands-on experience from the start. The curriculum prepares students for immediate entry into the nursing workforce and provides opportunities to work within the Cleveland Clinic network after graduation.

10. Kent State University at Stark – Nursing Program

This branch campus of Kent State offers the same high-quality nursing education found at the main campus, with smaller class sizes and a close-knit learning environment. Students can pursue the BSN degree through a combination of on-campus and clinical training. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and cultural competence. Local clinical partnerships provide valuable real-world experience. The campus setting allows students to enjoy a supportive academic atmosphere while accessing Kent State’s broader nursing resources.

11. Mount Union University – Department of Nursing

Located in Alliance, Mount Union University offers a BSN program with a focus on leadership, community service, and clinical excellence. The program integrates liberal arts education with rigorous nursing coursework, ensuring graduates are well-rounded healthcare professionals. Students gain experience through simulation labs and diverse clinical placements. Faculty provide personalized mentorship, and small cohorts foster collaboration. Mount Union’s nursing program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and equips them with skills to thrive in various healthcare environments.

12. Stark State College – Main Campus Nursing Program

The main campus of Stark State College in North Canton houses a comprehensive nursing program offering LPN, ADN, and bridge pathways. Students benefit from a modern nursing lab, simulation technology, and a strong network of clinical partners. The curriculum is designed to build both technical competence and patient-centered care skills. Affordable tuition, combined with financial aid opportunities, makes the program accessible to a wide range of students. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure and immediate employment.

13. Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences

Aultman College in Canton offers ASN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs in close partnership with the Aultman Hospital system. Students receive extensive clinical experience in hospital settings from the start of their studies. The college is known for small class sizes, individualized attention, and a strong emphasis on professional development. Modern simulation labs complement real-world training, ensuring students graduate with the confidence and competence to provide high-quality patient care across diverse healthcare settings.

14. Akron Children’s Hospital Nursing Education Programs

Akron Children’s Hospital offers nursing education through partnerships with local universities and its own training initiatives. While not a degree-granting institution, it provides clinical placements, residency programs, and continuing education for nursing students and graduates. The focus is on pediatric nursing, giving participants specialized skills in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. These programs help bridge the gap between academic learning and hands-on patient care, making them valuable for those pursuing pediatric nursing careers.

15. Cuyahoga Valley Career Center – Practical Nursing Program

Located near Brecksville, this career center offers a state-approved practical nursing program. Students complete coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, paired with clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. The program is designed for adult learners seeking a fast, affordable path into the nursing profession. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam and often find employment quickly in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. Support services help students succeed academically and professionally.

16. Hiram College – Nursing Program

Hiram College offers a BSN program that blends liberal arts education with rigorous nursing training. Students benefit from small classes, individualized instruction, and strong faculty mentorship. Clinical placements occur in hospitals, clinics, and community settings, allowing for broad exposure to healthcare environments. The program emphasizes leadership, cultural competence, and critical thinking. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and equipped to pursue advanced education or specialized nursing roles, making them adaptable professionals in a changing healthcare landscape.

17. Ursuline College – Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions

Located in Pepper Pike, Ursuline College offers a variety of nursing pathways, including traditional BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs. The Breen School focuses on holistic care, ethics, and leadership, integrating faith-based values into the curriculum. Students gain clinical experience in top healthcare facilities across Northeast Ohio. The college is known for high NCLEX pass rates and personalized student support, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to provide patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings and leadership positions.

18. Lakeland Community College – Nursing Program

Located in Kirtland, Lakeland Community College offers associate degree nursing programs and practical nursing certificates. The curriculum blends classroom learning with simulation lab practice and clinical experiences in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Affordable tuition and transfer agreements with four-year universities make it a popular choice for students planning to advance their education. Faculty emphasize evidence-based practice, safety, and compassionate care, preparing graduates for licensure and immediate employment in various healthcare environments across the state.

19. Lorain County Community College – Nursing Program

Lorain County Community College provides both ADN and LPN programs, with opportunities for students to seamlessly transition into BSN programs through university partnerships. The nursing curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, and patient advocacy. Students benefit from modern simulation labs, clinical placements in local hospitals, and faculty with extensive nursing experience. Affordable tuition and financial aid options make the program accessible. Graduates consistently achieve strong NCLEX pass rates, entering the workforce as competent, caring, and adaptable nurses.

20. Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College) – Nursing Center of Excellence

Cuyahoga Community College offers an ADN program and LPN-to-RN bridge options at multiple campuses. The Nursing Center of Excellence provides state-of-the-art labs, simulation technology, and experienced faculty. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN through a curriculum focused on clinical competence, communication, and professional ethics. Tri-C maintains strong connections with healthcare employers, giving graduates excellent job prospects. Its flexible schedules and affordable tuition appeal to a wide range of learners seeking a career in nursing.

21. Baldwin Wallace University – Nursing Program

Baldwin Wallace University offers an accelerated BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field. The intensive curriculum combines classroom learning, simulation training, and hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and enter nursing in just over a year. The program focuses on leadership, cultural competence, and evidence-based practice. Baldwin Wallace’s small class sizes and dedicated faculty ensure students receive personalized support throughout this fast-paced program.

22. Chamberlain University – Cleveland Campus

Chamberlain University’s Cleveland campus offers a three-year BSN program designed for year-round study. Students benefit from simulation labs, experienced faculty, and clinical partnerships with major healthcare providers. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, safety, and leadership. Chamberlain’s flexible scheduling and support services make it possible for students to balance school with personal responsibilities. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and have a strong track record of securing employment quickly in various nursing roles across the region.

23. Cleveland State University – School of Nursing

Cleveland State University offers traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN programs, as well as graduate-level nursing degrees. The curriculum integrates community health, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Students have access to advanced simulation facilities and diverse clinical experiences in hospitals, community clinics, and public health agencies. CSU’s urban location offers exposure to a variety of patient populations. Faculty mentorship and career services support students from admission through graduation, helping them succeed in both licensure and employment.

24. Northeast Ohio Medical University – Nursing Partnerships

While primarily a medical school, Northeast Ohio Medical University partners with area institutions to provide advanced nursing education opportunities, particularly in interprofessional healthcare training. These collaborations give nursing students exposure to cutting-edge medical practices and interdisciplinary teamwork. Programs emphasize leadership, clinical expertise, and research, preparing nurses for specialized roles and advanced practice. The partnerships enhance opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate nursing students to gain experience in innovative healthcare settings and collaborative patient care environments.

25. Bryant & Stratton College – Akron Campus Nursing Program

Bryant & Stratton College in Akron offers associate degree and practical nursing programs. The curriculum combines classroom instruction, simulation training, and clinical rotations to prepare students for licensure exams. Flexible scheduling options cater to working adults, and student support services include tutoring and career counseling. The program emphasizes practical skills, professional behavior, and patient safety. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the nursing workforce in entry-level roles or continue their education toward advanced nursing degrees.

26. Central School of Practical Nursing – Cleveland

As one of the oldest practical nursing schools in the region, the Central School of Practical Nursing offers a focused program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN in under a year. The program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities. Small class sizes and experienced faculty create a supportive environment. The school’s long history and ties to local employers help graduates find jobs quickly, particularly in long-term care and rehabilitation settings.

27. EHOVE Career Center – Practical Nursing Program

Located in Milan, EHOVE Career Center offers a state-approved LPN program designed for adult learners. The curriculum includes coursework in nursing fundamentals, pharmacology, and medical-surgical nursing, along with supervised clinical experiences. The program’s schedule is designed to accommodate working students. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN and often secure employment in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. EHOVE emphasizes both technical competence and compassionate care in its nursing education.

28. Medina County Career Center – Practical Nursing Program

The Medina County Career Center offers a practical nursing program for adult students seeking a fast, affordable path into nursing. The program includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical rotations in various healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, communication skills, and professional ethics. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-PN and often find immediate employment in the local healthcare industry. The center provides career counseling and job placement assistance to support student success.

29. Portage Lakes Career Center – School of Practical Nursing

Portage Lakes Career Center in Uniontown offers a one-year practical nursing program that prepares students for the NCLEX-PN. The curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing care for patients across the lifespan. Students participate in hands-on training in labs and through clinical experiences in local hospitals and care facilities. The program is designed for adult learners, with flexible scheduling options available. Graduates are equipped for entry-level nursing positions in a variety of healthcare settings.

30. Polaris Career Center – Practical Nursing Program

Polaris Career Center in Middleburg Heights offers a practical nursing program that blends classroom learning with real-world clinical experiences. Students study anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals, supported by modern simulation labs. Clinical rotations provide experience in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and clinics. The program prepares students for the NCLEX-PN exam and entry-level positions in nursing. Career services assist with job placement, and the program’s reputation attracts employers seeking well-prepared practical nurses.

Requirements For These Top Nursing Schools in Akron

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Minimum GPA requirement, often between 2.5 and 3.0
• Completion of prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy
• Passing scores on standardized entrance exams like TEAS or HESI
• Proof of immunizations and health clearance
• Background check and drug screening
• Letters of recommendation or personal statement outlining interest in nursing

Cost of These Top Nursing Schools in Akron

• University of Akron – School of Nursing: approximately 10,000 to 12,000 USD per year for in-state students
• Kent State University College of Nursing: approximately 11,000 to 13,000 USD per year for in-state students
• Herzing University – Akron: approximately 14,000 to 16,000 USD per year
• Hondros College of Nursing – Akron: approximately 13,000 to 15,000 USD per year
• Stark State College – Akron: approximately 5,000 to 7,000 USD per year for in-state students
• Walsh University – Byers School of Nursing: approximately 31,000 to 33,000 USD per year

Application Process For These Top Nursing Schools in Akron

• Complete and submit the online or paper application form through the school’s admissions portal
• Submit official transcripts from high school and any previous colleges attended
• Provide entrance exam scores if required (TEAS, HESI, or ACT/SAT)
• Upload or send letters of recommendation and a personal statement or essay
• Schedule and complete an admissions interview if required by the program
• Pay the application fee and wait for an admissions decision notification

Conclusion

Nursing schools in Akron and nearby areas offer a variety of entry points into the profession, from quick practical nursing programs to advanced nursing degrees. With affordable options at community colleges and comprehensive offerings at universities, students can choose a pathway that matches their career goals and budget. Strong clinical training, dedicated faculty, and supportive learning environments help ensure graduates are well-prepared for licensure and professional practice. For anyone passionate about healthcare, Akron’s nursing schools provide a solid foundation for a rewarding nursing career.