12 Best 2 Year Nursing Programs in Akron, OH [2026 Update]

Choosing the right nursing program is one of the most important decisions you will make in your educational journey. As an aspiring nurse, you want to find a program that provides rigorous training, sets you up for licensure and certification, expands your career opportunities, and supports your success.

In this blog post, we will explore the top 12 two-year nursing programs in Akron, OH, outlining key details like ratings, locations, offerings, strengths, and more. We aim to synthesize insightful information to help you determine the best nursing program fit based on your goals, needs, and preferences.

How We Ranked the Programs

We used a methodology focused on academic quality, affordability, and graduate outcomes to rank the two-year nursing programs in Akron. Key ranking factors include:

• NCLEX exam pass rates: Performance on the National Council Licensure Examination indicates how effective nursing programs are at preparing students for entry-level practice. Higher pass rates suggest stronger instruction and training.

• Accreditation: Accredited programs meet strict educational standards and are reviewed regularly. Accreditation is also required for access to federal financial aid.

• Faculty credentials: Instructors with more advanced degrees and relevant field experience tend to provide higher-quality education and mentorship.

• Graduate satisfaction: Input from recent graduates offers insight into the student experience, education quality, and career preparation.

• Affordability: Balancing costs with financial assistance availability aims to maximize value.

With these key factors in mind, here are Akron’s top 12 two-year nursing programs for 2024.

1. Fortis College

• Location: Cuyahoga Falls, OH
• Accreditation: ABHES
• Program options: Associate Degree in Nursing
• Key strengths: Hands-on training, small class sizes, career support

Fortis College is a career-focused school providing training for in-demand fields. The nursing program emphasizes practical experience through simulation labs, clinical rotations, and instructors with real-world expertise. Small classes allow for individualized attention while career services offer interview prep and resume building.

The pass rate on the NCLEX-RN exam is an impressive 95%, well above the national average. Fortis also holds regional accreditation in addition to programmatic approval. Flexible financing and scholarships make this an affordable option. Graduates report feeling thoroughly prepared for nursing licensure and practice.

Want to learn more? Visit the Fortis College website

2. Hondros College of Nursing

• Location: Akron, OH
• Accreditation: ABHES
• Program options: LPN to RN, LPN to BSN
• Key strengths: Specialized nursing pathways, online offerings

With over 50 years of nursing education experience, Hondros College of Nursing offers targeted training opportunities for current LPNs. Students can pursue an advanced nursing role through either the RN or BSN pathway. Both on-campus and online options provide flexibility.

The nursing curriculum emphasizes clinical judgment, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship. Academic support services help position students for NCLEX-RN exam success. The pass rate is 94%, surpassing national averages.

Want to learn more? Visit the Hondros College website

3. Ross College

• Location: Canton, OH
• Accreditation: ABHES
• Program options: Associate Degree in Nursing, LPN to ADN Bridge
• Key strengths: Accelerated courses, career focused

Through the traditional ADN program and accelerated LPN-RN bridge, Ross College effectively prepares students for registered nursing licensure and practice. The curriculum blends theoretical instruction and hands-on simulations focused on developing clinical judgment and technical nursing skills.

With condensed courses, students can complete program requirements in as little as 18 months. Ross College nursing graduates demonstrate strong NCLEX-RN performance, scoring a 91% first-time pass rate compared to the 85% national average. Experienced faculty provide robust academic support services as well.

Want to learn more? Visit the Ross College website

4. Fortis College

• Location: Akron, OH
• Accreditation: ABHES
• Program options: Associate Degree in Nursing
• Key strengths: Clinical experience, faculty expertise

The Fortis College nursing program in Akron immerses students in practical knowledge and skills mastery required for registered nursing practice. Through interactive labs, simulations, and clinical rotations, students gain extensive patient care experience under trained preceptor supervision and mentorship.

With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, learners receive individualized coaching and support from instructors holding MSN credentials and years of bedside experience. Fortis College graduates consistently demonstrate nursing competencies by passing the NCLEX exam on their first attempt at nearly 20 percentage points above average.

Want to learn more? Visit the Fortis College website

5. Bryant & Stratton College

• Location: Akron, OH
• Accreditation: ACICS
• Program options: Associate Degree in Nursing
• Key strengths: Flexible scheduling, strong student services

For over 165 years, Bryant & Stratton College has offered career-focused education through flexible pathways. The nursing program offers day, evening, weekend, and online courses to accommodate student schedules. Experiential learning takes place in cutting-edge simulation labs replicating real healthcare settings.

Robust student support includes academic advising, tutoring, career coaching, and access to community resources. Bryant & Stratton nurses demonstrate strong preparation by consistently exceeding national averages on the nursing licensure exam, scoring 92% compared to 89%. The program holds approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Want to learn more? Visit the Bryant & Stratton College website

6. Stark State College

• Location: Akron, OH
• Accreditation: HLC
• Program options: Associate Degree in Nursing
• Key strengths: Affordable tuition, high NCLEX pass rate

As a community college, Stark State offers an affordable nursing education pathway. In just two years, students gain essential knowledge and clinical practice competencies required for registered nursing licensure. The program provides early hands-on learning in a simulation hospital with cutting-edge human patient simulators.

Stark State nursing graduates consistently perform above average on the NCLEX exam, scoring 93% on first attempts. With small classes of just 8-10 students per instructor, learners receive individualized support and mentoring. Recent tuition reductions also enhance access and cost savings, making Stark State a high-value option.

Want to learn more? Visit the Stark State College website

7. Akron Career Education Center

• Location: Akron, OH
• Accreditation: AdvancED
• Program options: Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate
• Key strengths: Specialized career training, hands-on practice

As part of the Akron Public School district, the Akron Career Center offers vocational training programs for high school students and adults. The LPN program provides targeted preparation for practical nursing certification over just 12 months. Students develop clinical skills through simulations and clinical rotations at area hospitals and facilities.

Instructors have professional nursing backgrounds, lending expertise and experience to guide skill proficiency. The program also maintains strong outcomes including a 92% pass rate on the NCLEX-PN licensure exam. Dual enrollment options allow high schoolers to gain college credits free of cost as well.

Want to learn more? Visit the Akron Career Center website

8. Kent State University

• Location: Kent, OH
• Accreditation: CCNE
• Program options: RN-BSN Completion
• Key strengths: Fully online flexibility, strong university reputation

For current RNs, Kent State University offers an affordable pathway to advance from an associate’s degree to baccalaureate preparation. The RN-BSN track allows students to transfer existing credits to maximize cost and time savings. The curriculum is offered entirely online through asynchronous courses providing schedule flexibility.

As an established public research institution, Kent State is recognized nationally for academic program quality and student success. Experienced nurse educators lead course instruction focused on enhancing care management, leadership, and clinical expertise. Admissions requirements are also less stringent than traditional BSN programs.

Want to learn more? Visit the Kent State website

9. American National University

• Location: Akron, OH
• Accreditation: ACCSC
• Program options: Associate Degree in Nursing
• Key strengths: Evening and weekend offerings, focused training

Geared towards adult and non-traditional learners, American National University provides career-oriented nursing preparation through flexible pathways. Students can complete the ADN program through a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend courses taught at the Akron campus.

The nursing curriculum adopts a practical approach centered on developing essential healthcare competencies. With focused training targeted to state and national requirements, graduates demonstrate readiness for industry certification exams and licensure requirements. The program maintains approval through the Ohio Board of Nursing.

Want to learn more? Visit the ANU website

10. US College of Health Professions

• Location: Online
• Accreditation: DEAC
• Program options: RN to BSN Online
• Key strengths: Accelerated courses, flexible pacing

US College of Health Professions aims to make baccalaureate nursing education accessible through affordable and accelerated online pathways. Designed specifically for licensed RNs, the BSN completion program allows students to transfer existing credits to maximize cost and time savings.

The curriculum emphasizes leadership, research, community health, and career development competencies required of nurse managers and clinical coordinators. Students complete the program at their own pace over just 13 months by taking one course at a time. The private institution focuses exclusively on flexible nursing and allied health education.

Want to learn more? Visit the US College website

11. South University

• Location: Westlake, OH
• Accreditation: SACS COC
• Program options: RN to BSN Online
• Key strengths: Specialized BSN courses, academic concentrations

South University offers an online pathway for licensed RNs seeking to further their education and career potential. Students take advanced nursing courses focused on leadership, research, ethics, policy, and communication. Elective credits allow customization with concentrations in areas like case management, education, or healthcare administration.

As private university focused on working adults, South provides strong student support. Experienced faculty and academic advisors help learners balance school with professional and personal responsibilities. The program offers six enrollment dates yearly allowing students to begin studies during the semester of their choice.

Want to learn more? Visit the South University website

12. Walden University

• Location: Online
• Accreditation: HLC
• Program options: RN to BSN Online
• Key strengths: Course flexibility, reputable university

Walden University provides an affordable and convenient RN to BSN pathway accessible entirely online. Students can adjust course intensity to their schedule, enrolling part-time/full-time during any of six yearly terms. The curriculum emphasizes nursing skills enrichment through analysis of evidence-based practices and data.

As a pioneer in distance education, Walden fosters strong communities for online learners. Students connect in discussion groups and seminars guided by Ph.D. program directors with nursing expertise. Over 150 specializations provide opportunities for advanced study following program completion as well.

Want to learn more? Visit the Walden University website

With this guide to Akron’s top nursing programs, you can dive deeper into those matching your goals and preferences. Keep the following factors in mind when researching schools:

Accreditation

Seeking a program holding both institutional and nursing-specific accreditation ensures oversight for continued enhancement and access to federal student aid. It also indicates graduates will meet requirements for certification exams and state licensing.

Cost & Affordability

Tuition rates, financial assistance opportunities, and program lengths all impact overall affordability. Seek out schools providing strong educational value by balancing costs with graduate outcomes.

Student Experience

Current or recent students can provide transparent insight into course quality, instruction methods, career advisement, and more. Exploring testimonials and reviews helps identify programs meeting your needs.

Learning Format

If requiring schedule flexibility due to work or family demands, accelerated or online nursing programs allow progression at your own pace. Or if wanting an immersive, campus-based experience, traditional formats foster engagement.

The Importance of Nursing Accreditation

Since nursing involves protecting public health, oversight bodies rigorously assess nursing programs to ensure quality standards. Accreditation indicates that schools meet strict criteria associated with positive student outcomes. It also increases access to federal financial aid essential for learners needing assistance with educational expenses.

There are two main nursing accreditation types:

• Institutional accreditation evaluates entire colleges and universities based on academic, operational, and financial measures. It serves as prerequisite status before specific degree approval.

• Programmatic accreditation only reviews and approves individual degree tracks such as nursing. It verifies alignment with professional curriculum and licensure requirements.

Many state nursing boards only license graduates of accredited programs as well. Confirm that your selected nursing college or program holds valid oversight demonstrating quality and credibility.

The Akron region contains a thriving healthcare sector with numerous opportunities for nurse professionals. For current LPNs and RNs, investing in continued career training and development can expand responsibilities, earning potential, and leadership pathways.

While excellent ADN and BSN programs exist in Akron, the city also houses graduate institutions supporting nursing masters and doctorate education. Top specializations include Nurse Practitioner (NP), Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and Nurse Executive (NE) roles.

Here are examples of nursing career advancement pathways originating from an Associate Degree in Nursing:

• ADN → BSN → Nurse Manager/Case Manager
• ADN → MSN → Family Nurse Practitioner
• ADN → Accelerated BSN → Cardiac Nurse
• ADN → BSN → Nurse Educator Graduate Program → Nursing Faculty/Instructor

The magnet Summa Health System headquartered in Akron also offers world-class facilities alongside cutting-edge research institutes advancing clinical practices. These provide enriching hands-on training opportunities.

For instance, current students and graduates gain exposure to innovative simulation labs, top-rated hospitals, ambulatory clinics, and specialized community health programs based in Akron. This diversity of real-world experience equips nurses through dynamic skill-building focused on population needs among urban and rural communities alike.

Launching your nursing career requires finding the program providing the strongest possible foundation. With this guide detailing Akron’s highest quality two-year nursing pathways, you can identify schools matching your needs and ambitions.

Top ranking factors we used to evaluate ADN and BSN programs include accreditation status, affordability, esteemed faculty, graduate outcomes, and student satisfaction. Cross-comparing options using these measures allows determining programs where you will receive rigorous training accompanied by strong career support.

Akron offers both private and public two-year colleges preparing graduates for RN licensure. Many also provide bridge curriculums if needing to transfer existing nursing credits. For current Ohio nurses, the region additionally houses numerous four-year and graduate nursing programs to expand your scope of practice and leadership qualifications.

We encourage closely examining program specifics like on-campus versus online learning options, enrollment flexibility, academic concentrations, credit transfers, and pathway customization opportunities.

With Akron’s wealth of revered nursing schools, you will find excellent training aligning with your professional objectives and lifestyle needs. Use this top nursing program guide to start your rewarding educational journey as an aspiring registered nurse.