Discover Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Youngstown, Ohio
Youngstown, Ohio, has been steadily reshaping its identity from a traditional manufacturing hub to a growing center of healthcare and education. Once primarily known for its steel and industrial base, the city is now investing in healthcare systems, community health programs, and educational initiatives that support workforce development. With a population of more than 60,000 and a surrounding metropolitan area that includes Mahoning and Trumbull counties, the city plays an important role in delivering healthcare to both urban and rural residents.
As the demand for primary care continues to rise, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are becoming critical providers in the region. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of nurse practitioners is projected to grow 45 percent from 2022 to 2032, far faster than the average for all occupations. Their expertise in preventive services, chronic disease management, and family centered care makes them essential to improving health outcomes in northeastern Ohio. For nurses considering graduate education, selecting an FNP program in or near Youngstown requires careful consideration of affordability, clinical opportunities, and long-term career prospects.
2026 Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Youngstown, Ohio
Walsh University
North Canton, OH - Private 4-year - walsh.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
Online Learning - Visit Website
Walsh University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program propels nurses toward comprehensive primary care expertise. Designed for working professionals, this two-year program delivers robust clinical preparation through 45 credit hours and 700 clinical hours. Students benefit from flexible online coursework, multiple annual start dates, and competitive tuition at $775 per credit hour. The curriculum emphasizes patient care across lifespans, ensuring graduates are thoroughly prepared for board certification and enhanced professional autonomy. Program prerequisites include a BSN, unencumbered RN license, and minimum 3.0 GPA.
- 100% online coursework
- Complete in 2 years
- 45 total credit hours
- 3 clinical rotations
- 700 clinical hours
- 3 start dates annually
- Tuition $775/credit hour
- BSN required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Unencumbered RN license
Graduate Certificate - Post-Graduate FNP Certificate
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Tailored for master's-prepared nurses, Walsh University's Post-Graduate FNP Certificate Program offers a dynamic hybrid learning experience. Blending online coursework with face-to-face sessions in North Canton, Ohio, the program provides flexible professional development. Students explore primary care needs across patient lifespans while enhancing leadership and clinical skills. The curriculum features interprofessional learning environments and global experience opportunities. While federal financial aid isn't available, the program supports career advancement by providing targeted coursework that adapts to individual professional backgrounds.
- Flexible online and on-campus learning.
- Designed for master's-prepared nurses.
- Focus on primary care across lifespan.
- Access to experienced faculty.
- Global experience opportunities.
- Interprofessional learning environments.
- Tailored coursework for individual backgrounds.
- Enhances leadership and clinical skills.
- No federal financial aid available.
- Face-to-face sessions in North Canton, OH.
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Walsh University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program empowers nurses to become advanced clinical leaders. This comprehensive three-year pathway allows working professionals to complete 64 credit hours and earn 1,250 clinical hours with remarkable flexibility. No GRE or GMAT is required, and the program boasts a 96% FNP licensure pass rate. Students receive dedicated clinical placement support and gain expertise in evidence-based care, healthcare technologies, and patient-centered health policies. The CCNE-accredited program offers three annual start dates and supports BSN to DNP transitions.
- 100% online coursework
- Complete in 3 years
- 64 total credit hours
- 1,250 clinical hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Three annual start dates
- 96% FNP licensure pass rate
- BSN to DNP pathway
- CCNE-Accredited program
- Dedicated clinical placement support
Doctorate - Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Walsh University's online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers an accelerated pathway to advanced nursing leadership. Completed in just three years, the program equips nurses with 1,250 clinical hours and comprehensive healthcare skills. With no GRE or GMAT requirement and a 96% FNP licensure pass rate, students can rapidly advance their careers. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based care, clinical expertise, and leadership competencies. Graduates are positioned for high-demand roles with competitive salaries averaging $117,670 annually, supported by expert faculty and small class sizes.
- 100% online coursework
- Complete in 3 years full-time
- 64 total credit hours
- 1,250 clinical hours
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Three annual intake dates
- 96% FNP licensure pass rate
- Clinical placement support
- CCNE-accredited program
- Small class sizes
Malone University
Canton, OH - Private 4-year - malone.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online Learning - Visit Website
Malone University's online Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program provides a transformative educational pathway for healthcare professionals. The Christ-centered curriculum offers comprehensive training through a flexible 24-month full-time or 36-month part-time format. Students engage in evidence-based practice projects and intensive skills lab sessions, developing advanced clinical competencies. With a strong emphasis on holistic patient care, the program prepares nurses to deliver exceptional family-centered healthcare. Students benefit from small cohort classes, practical internship experiences, and an optional Nursing Education certificate that enhances professional versatility.
- Fully online MSN program
- 24-36 month completion
- Christian-centered curriculum
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Three advanced skills labs
- Family Nurse Practitioner track
- Small cohort classes
- Internship and practicum hours
- Optional Nursing Education certificate
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) - Online Learning - Visit Website
Malone University's Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) online Master of Science in Nursing program offers specialized advanced practice training. Designed for working nurses seeking career advancement, the curriculum provides a rigorous 24-36 month educational journey. Students receive comprehensive preparation through evidence-based practice projects, advanced skills lab sessions, and extensive internship opportunities. The Christian-centered approach integrates professional development with compassionate care principles, equipping nurses with critical skills for managing complex patient needs in acute and geriatric healthcare settings.
- Fully online MSN program
- 24-36 month completion
- Christian values integrated
- Evidence-based practice focus
- Advanced skills lab sessions
- Internship and practicum hours
- Small cohort classes
- Flexible learning options
University of Mount Union
Alliance, OH - Private 4-year - mountunion.edu
Master's - MSN Program
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Mount Union's MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program delivers a transformative educational experience for nursing professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise. This hybrid program strategically blends online asynchronous learning with intensive skill-building sessions, enabling students to complete their degree in just 22 months. Designed for working nurses, the curriculum prepares practitioners to deliver comprehensive primary care across diverse patient populations. With 46 total credit hours and a competitive $36,800 total tuition, the program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and 1,000 clinical RN hours. Graduates emerge well-positioned for national board certification and advanced healthcare roles.
- Online MSN FNP degree
- 22-month program length
- 46 total credit hours
- $36,800 total tuition
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- 1,000 clinical RN hours required
- BSN degree prerequisite
- Asynchronous online format
- Short onsite skills intensives
- National certification eligibility
Master's - MSN Program
Concentration: Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Mount Union's Emergency Nurse Practitioner track offers an innovative pathway for ambitious nursing professionals seeking specialized emergency care credentials. This hybrid MSN program combines flexible online learning with strategic onsite intensive training, enabling students to advance their clinical competencies efficiently. Spanning 22 months, the program demands a robust foundation of 1,000 clinical RN hours and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. With a total program cost of $36,800 and asynchronous learning format, students can balance professional responsibilities while preparing for national certification in emergency nursing practice.
- Online, asynchronous format
- 22-month program length
- 46 total credit hours
- $36,800 total program cost
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- 1,000 RN clinical hours required
- Short onsite skills intensives
- Prepares for national certification
- Flexible learning pathway
- Advanced primary care focus
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Steubenville, OH - Private 4-year - franciscan.edu
Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner Track
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Franciscan University's Family Nurse Practitioner track delivers a comprehensive six-semester hybrid program designed to transform registered nurses into advanced clinical professionals. Integrating holistic healthcare principles with Catholic values, students develop comprehensive skills for patient care across diverse medical environments. The curriculum balances professional competence with ethical practice, preparing graduates for versatile healthcare roles. With CCNE accreditation and national certification preparation, students benefit from extensive clinical experiences spanning multiple healthcare settings. The program's 48-credit hour structure offers flexibility through part-time study options and post-master certificate opportunities, making it an attractive pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice specialization.
- 48 total credit hours
- $600 per credit hour
- CCNE accredited program
- Six semester sequence
- Clinical sites across region
- Part-time study available
- National certification preparation
- Post-master certificate option
- Comprehensive nursing curriculum
- Healthcare settings vary widely
Master's - Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
Franciscan University's on-campus Family Nurse Practitioner Program provides a rigorous graduate-level educational experience emphasizing both professional nursing standards and Christian healthcare values. Designed for bachelor's-prepared nurses, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering graduate nursing foundations, advanced practice techniques, and specialized clinical competencies. Students engage in diverse clinical placements, gaining practical expertise across various healthcare environments. The six-semester program costs approximately $600 per credit hour, totaling $28,800, and prepares graduates for certification and advanced practice roles. With CCNE accreditation and a focus on whole-person care, students develop the skills necessary to excel in hospitals, private practices, and other medical settings.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Six-semester program.
- Part-time study available.
- $600 per credit hour.
- Diverse clinical settings.
- Requires bachelor's in nursing.
- Emphasizes Catholic values.
- Prepares for certification.
- Advanced practice roles.
- Comprehensive curriculum.
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH - Public 4-Year - ysu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
Online Learning - Visit Website
Youngstown State University's online Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner program offers comprehensive training for advanced nursing practice. Designed for experienced RNs, this CCNE-accredited curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care across the lifespan. Students delve into advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, and clinical assessment, preparing for complex healthcare environments. The rigorous 46-credit program includes 600 clinical practicum hours, enabling graduates to develop sophisticated diagnostic and treatment skills. With a flexible online format, learners can complete the program in approximately 20 months. Admission requirements include a BSN degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and one year of professional nursing experience. Graduates emerge as skilled primary care providers equipped to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered healthcare in diverse clinical settings.
- CCNE-accredited program
- Online format
- 46 credit hours
- 600 clinical practicum hours
- Completion in 20 months
- Focus on primary care
- Advanced pathophysiology
- Advanced pharmacology
- Health assessment skills
- Evidence-based practice
Miami University-Middletown
Middletown, OH - Public 4-Year - miamioh.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Miami University's Family Nurse Practitioner MSN program offers a cutting-edge hybrid learning experience tailored for ambitious nursing professionals. Students benefit from a strategically designed curriculum that combines comprehensive online coursework with immersive clinical training. The program's impressive 100% national certification pass rate underscores its academic rigor and commitment to student success. With 630 clinical practice hours and a two-day on-campus skills workshop, graduates emerge as highly competent family nurse practitioners ready to deliver exceptional primary care across diverse patient populations.
- 100% Online Coursework
- 21 Months Full-Time Duration
- August 1 Application Deadline
- 630 Clinical Practice Hours
- Fall Program Start Date
- Two-Day On-Campus Skills Workshop
- CCNE Accredited Program
- Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
- RN License Required
- 1,000 Prior RN Hours Needed
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Learning - Visit Website
Miami University-Middletown's online Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration represents an innovative pathway for nurses seeking advanced practice roles. Emphasizing evidence-based practice and leadership development, this CCNE-accredited program provides comprehensive training for healthcare professionals. The curriculum is meticulously designed to address contemporary healthcare challenges, enabling students to enhance patient care outcomes. With minimal campus requirements and flexible scheduling, the program accommodates working nurses, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of family nursing practice in various clinical settings.
- Online format with minimal campus visits.
- Family Nurse Practitioner concentration available.
- Accredited by CCNE.
- Prepares for advanced practice roles.
- Focus on evidence-based practice.
- Leadership and patient care excellence.
- Flexible for working professionals.
- Requires nursing degree for admission.
- Skills for diverse healthcare settings.
- Meets growing demand for FNPs.
University of Akron
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron's Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate offers a strategic pathway for experienced Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioners seeking specialized certification. Meticulously designed for RNs with master's degrees, the program demands a robust 3.0 GPA and two years of clinical experience. Spanning 10-13 credit hours, students engage in comprehensive pediatric and adolescent health nursing coursework complemented by an intensive 225-hour clinical residency. The curriculum emphasizes advanced pediatric assessment and child health nursing, preparing graduates to excel in the Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. An interview with faculty and an active Ohio RN license are essential admission requirements, ensuring a rigorous and professionally-aligned educational experience.
- Post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Minimum 3.0 MSN GPA
- 2+ Years Clinical Experience Required
- 10-13 Total Credit Hours
- 225 Clinical Hour Residency
- Ohio RN License Needed
- Interview with Faculty Required
- Advanced Pediatric Assessment
- Child Health Nursing Focus
Kent State University
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Graduate Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate offers a strategic pathway for experienced registered nurses seeking advanced clinical expertise. Designed for nurses holding a graduate nursing degree, this 26-27 credit hour program provides comprehensive training in primary care, pediatrics, and chronic illness management. Delivered exclusively on-campus at Kent Campus, the program emphasizes practical skills through intensive clinical practicums and rigorous academic coursework. Prospective students must maintain a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, hold an active RN license, and prepare for national certification examinations. The curriculum focuses on advanced health assessment and equips graduates to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse family healthcare environments, positioning them for successful advanced practice nursing careers.
- 26-27 total credit hours
- In-person delivery at Kent Campus
- Requires master's in nursing
- Active RN license required
- National certification preparation
- Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Clinical practicum included
- Advanced health assessment focus
Kent State University at Geauga
Burton, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Nursing
Concentration: Family Nurse Practitioner - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) concentration offers a dynamic graduate pathway that equips nurses with advanced primary healthcare skills. The program blends comprehensive online and in-person learning, enabling students to develop critical clinical competencies across diverse ambulatory care environments. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and an active RN license, participants undergo rigorous training emphasizing comprehensive patient care and professional development. Clinical experiences span multiple healthcare settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. The program's strategic curriculum focuses on advanced nursing practices, health promotion, and collaborative healthcare delivery, positioning graduates for impactful roles in primary care settings.
- Mostly online/in-person program
- 2-3 years program length
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Active RN license needed
- Clinical hours requirement
- Priority application deadline: March 1
- Multiple clinical settings experience
- Comprehensive patient care focus
- Advanced nursing competencies developed
- Professional references required
Understanding the Healthcare Landscape in Youngstown
Healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors in the Mahoning Valley, with local hospital networks, outpatient clinics, and community health organizations serving a diverse population. The area faces the dual challenge of an aging population and provider shortages, making advanced practice nurses central to expanding access. This backdrop creates strong demand for family nurse practitioners who can deliver preventive care, manage chronic illness, and improve overall community health.
Beyond direct patient care, Youngstown has also become a focal point for health initiatives aimed at reducing chronic disease rates and addressing social determinants of health. Graduate nursing students entering this landscape gain practical experience in community focused strategies that are relevant not only locally but also nationally. Reports from the Ohio Department of Health highlight regional efforts to address chronic conditions and improve preventive services.
Comparing Program Costs and Affordability
Affordability is a central concern for prospective graduate students in Youngstown. Tuition rates for FNP programs in northeastern Ohio vary, with some charging by the credit hour and others offering flat rate tuition. Beyond tuition, students should account for additional fees such as laboratory costs, liability insurance, and clinical placement expenses. Cost conscious students may also explore part time enrollment to continue working while completing coursework.
The state of Ohio provides financial support through scholarships, loan repayment programs, and grants that encourage nurses to practice in underserved communities. Employers across the Mahoning Valley often extend tuition reimbursement as a way to build and retain talent. These financial options can significantly reduce the long-term cost of an advanced degree and make graduate study more attainable for working nurses. Resources from Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program are also available for nurses who commit to serving in areas of need.
Cost Comparison Table
| Program Feature | Typical Range in Northeastern Ohio |
| Tuition (per credit) | $700 – $1,100 |
| Estimated Total Tuition | $28,000 – $45,000 |
| Program Length | 2.5 – 4 years |
| Additional Fees | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Clinical Hours Requirement | 600 – 750 hours |
This side by side view allows students to better plan financially and align program selection with budgetary needs.
Program Structure and Flexibility
FNP programs in the Youngstown region are designed to accommodate different career stages. Many offer part time or hybrid models that blend online coursework with in person clinical rotations. Others feature accelerated pathways intended for students ready to focus full time on graduate education. The variety of program structures ensures that nurses balancing family, work, and education can find a path that fits their needs.
Key features that students should evaluate include:
- Program length, typically ranging from 2.5 to 4 years.
- Clinical hour requirements, which generally fall between 600 and 750 hours.
- The availability of simulation labs or advanced practice resources.
By understanding these elements, students can better match program structures with personal commitments and career timelines.
Clinical Training Opportunities Across the Mahoning Valley
A major factor in selecting an Ohio nurse practitioner program is the quality and variety of clinical placements. In Youngstown, students benefit from access to community health centers, hospital affiliated outpatient clinics, and primary care practices that serve both urban and rural patients. These experiences allow graduate nursing students to develop skills in preventive care, pediatrics, women's health, and chronic disease management.
Local placements also help students establish professional networks that may lead directly to post graduation employment. For example, many nurses who complete clinical hours in Mahoning Valley health centers transition into full time positions within the same organizations. Exposure to both urban and rural care settings gives graduates the versatility to serve diverse communities throughout Ohio.
Career Outlook for FNPs in Youngstown and Ohio
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 45 percent increase in nurse practitioner roles nationwide between 2022 and 2032, and Ohio reflects this strong growth. In Youngstown, opportunities for FNPs are expected to expand as healthcare systems adapt to workforce shortages and rising patient demand. Competitive salaries paired with the region's relatively low cost of living make becoming a family nurse practitioner a financially attractive career path.
Family nurse practitioners in northeastern Ohio often work in outpatient clinics, rural health facilities, and urgent care centers. Their ability to serve as primary care providers makes them especially valuable in areas experiencing physician shortages. Nurses completing FNP programs in the region are well positioned to enter stable, high demand roles immediately after graduation. Insights from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners also highlight Ohio as a state with a growing need for advanced practice nurses.
Accreditation, Rankings, and Graduate Outcomes
Program quality remains as important as affordability. Accreditation ensures that FNP programs meet national standards and prepare students for board certification. Prospective students may also want to review rankings and graduate success rates to gauge program reputation. Metrics such as certification exam pass rates and employment outcomes provide valuable insight into program effectiveness.
Graduate support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mentorship, can also influence outcomes. Nurses in Youngstown should prioritize programs with strong support networks that align with both academic and professional goals. Choosing a program with robust guidance can make a meaningful difference in balancing the challenges of graduate study. Guidance from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing can help students understand the role of accreditation and outcomes in program selection.
Actionable Steps for Prospective Students
For those ready to advance into an FNP role, a structured approach can simplify the decision making process:
- Evaluate Total Costs: Compare tuition, fees, and potential financial aid opportunities side by side.
- Assess Program Structures: Determine whether a part time, full time, or hybrid model best supports personal and professional responsibilities.
- Research Clinical Placements: Review program information to confirm access to diverse practice settings within the Mahoning Valley.
- Confirm Accreditation: Ensure that programs are nationally accredited to maintain eligibility for certification exams.
- Leverage Employer Support: Explore tuition reimbursement or scheduling accommodations offered by healthcare employers in Youngstown.
These steps not only simplify the selection process but also ensure that students maximize both financial and educational benefits. Additional information from Federal Student Aid can provide guidance on managing tuition and loan options.
Building a Future in Advanced Practice Nursing
Youngstown provides a unique balance of affordability, opportunity, and community need for aspiring family nurse practitioners. The city's combination of accessible program options and strong regional healthcare systems gives students the chance to pursue graduate study while remaining connected to the local workforce. For many, the ability to train and practice close to home is a meaningful advantage that supports both personal and professional growth.
With programs that offer flexible structures, strong clinical training, and promising career outlooks, nurses in the region are well positioned to take the next step in their professional journey. By carefully comparing costs, program quality, and local opportunities, graduates can choose an educational pathway that strengthens both their careers and the health of their communities. This thoughtful planning ensures that advanced practice nurses in Youngstown are prepared to meet rising healthcare needs and contribute to the long term wellbeing of the Mahoning Valley.
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nurse Practitioners
- Ohio Department of Health
- Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Federal Student Aid
- Explore Affordable Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Flint, Michigan - August 29, 2025
- Discover Best Family Nurse Practitioner Programs Near Youngstown, Ohio - August 28, 2025
- Pros and Cons of Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) - August 21, 2025
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