Most important takeaways…
- The University of Akron offers MSN and DNP tracks in adult-gerontology, with FNP and PMHNP available at nearby schools.
- Akron-area NP salaries align closely with Ohio and national medians, supported by strong regional healthcare demand.
- Ohio requires a Standard Care Arrangement with a collaborating physician before nurse practitioners can prescribe independently.
- Online and hybrid programs expand specialty access, but students must confirm clinical placement support in Northeast Ohio.
Akron sits in the heart of Northeast Ohio's healthcare corridor, anchored by Summa Health, the Cleveland Clinic's regional network, and Akron Children's Hospital. These systems and their affiliates drive steady demand for nurse practitioners across primary care, specialty clinics, urgent care, and behavioral health settings. RNs in the Akron metro can choose from University of Akron campus programs, hybrid tracks at nearby schools in Kent, Cleveland, or Canton, and fully online programs that accept Ohio clinical placements.
The practical tension most Akron-area nurses face is not whether programs exist nearby, but which specialty and degree level match their career goals, and which format actually supports local clinical placement. Family nurse practitioner and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner tracks are widely available, while acute care and pediatric primary care options may require commuting to Cleveland or enrolling in an online program with strong Ohio preceptor networks.
Ohio requires nurse practitioners to hold national certification, complete a Standard Care Arrangement with a collaborating physician, and apply for a Certificate to Prescribe before writing prescriptions. These steps are uniform statewide, but navigating clinical site competition in saturated metro markets adds a layer of planning that goes beyond tuition and GPA.
NP Programs in the Akron Metro Area and Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio is home to a strong network of nurse practitioner programs, making it realistic for Akron-area RNs to advance their careers without relocating. Whether you live in Akron proper, commute from Canton, Kent, Youngstown, or Cleveland, you can reach several public and private universities offering MSN, DNP, and post-master's NP tracks. Below, we profile the programs most accessible to working nurses in the region, weighing factors like affordability, specialty breadth, delivery format, and clinical placement support close to home.
- Program breadth and specialty options
- Tuition and net price affordability
- Clinical placement flexibility in Ohio
- Delivery format for working nurses
- Institutional graduation and retention metrics
- Independent program research
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Kent State University
Kent State University sits just 11 miles east of downtown Akron, making it the most geographically convenient option for many Akron-area nurses. The College of Nursing, a three-time NLN Center of Excellence, offers one of the widest specialty menus in northeast Ohio at both the MSN and post-master's certificate levels, including FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, and WHNP tracks. Most coursework is delivered online, and in-state graduate tuition starts around $613 per credit, keeping total costs well below private alternatives. Clinical placements draw on deep relationships with northeast Ohio health systems, giving students strong local options for practicum hours.
- Post-master's certificate requiring 34 credit hours
- Mostly online delivery with Kent Campus location
- Prepares graduates for national FNP certification
- Requires master's or doctorate in nursing for admission
- Flexible fall, spring, and summer start dates
- Clinical practicums in adult, pediatric, and family health
- Three professional references and goal statement required
- 100% online MSN concentration, no campus visits required
- Full-time and part-time scheduling options
- CCNE accredited with fall and spring start dates
- Faculty are nationally certified APRNs
- Covers medication management and psychotherapy skills
- Post-master's certificate pathway also available
- Hybrid MSN with many courses available online
- CCNE accredited with clinical experiences in diverse settings
- Faculty mentorship from nationally certified APRNs
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options
- Starts in fall or spring semesters
- Post-master's certificate option available for career changers
- Entirely online MSN coursework
- CCNE accredited with clinical practicum component
- Prepares for APRN certification and Ohio licensure
- Small class sizes with individualized attention
- Health promotion and disease prevention focus
- Post-master's certificate pathway also offered
- Hybrid format blending online courses with clinical rotations
- CCNE accredited with full-time and part-time options
- Two start dates per year (fall and spring)
- Faculty mentorship throughout the program
- Prepares for pediatric NP certification
- Intellectual rigor backed by NLN Center of Excellence status
- Post-master's certificate, 29 credit hours
- Mostly online with clinical practicum courses
- Prepares for national AGNP certification
- Requires a master's or DNP in nursing
- Evidence-based, equitable care focus
- Background check and CPR certification required
Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP Graduate Certificate — On-Campus
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University, roughly 40 minutes north of Akron on I-77, offers affordable MSN and DNP pathways with a community-focused philosophy. The FNP and PMHNP tracks feature nearly all-online coursework with just one on-campus residency, keeping disruption to your work schedule minimal. In-state tuition of approximately $637 per credit makes it one of the most budget-friendly public options in northeast Ohio. CSU also provides clinical placement support, and its location amid Cleveland's major health systems opens doors to high-acuity practicum experiences.
- 47 credit hours with 780 clinical hours included
- Almost entirely online with one on-campus residency
- In-state tuition approximately $637 per credit
- CCNE accredited with three start dates per year
- Completable full-time in two years
- Clinical placement support provided by the program
- 100% online coursework, two-year full-time timeline
- 48 credit hours with 780 clinical hours
- In-state and out-of-state tuition nearly identical per credit
- Covers psychiatric assessment and neuropsychopharmacology
- CCNE accredited, prepares for PMHNP certification
- Three intakes annually: fall, spring, and summer
- Hybrid BSN-to-DNP pathway, 10 semesters to complete
- Blended online and in-person format
- Doctorally prepared faculty with clinical expertise
- Requires 3.25 GPA and one year of RN experience
- State-of-the-art clinical labs in Cleveland
- Affordable public university tuition rates
- 11-semester BSN-to-DNP pathway
- Full-time and part-time scheduling available
- Blended online and in-person delivery
- Requires one year of RN experience and 3.3 GPA
- Prepares for PMHNP role in community and acute settings
- Evidence-based care including pharmacologic interventions
- 100% online, completable full-time in about 15 months
- 35 credit hours with 780 clinical hours
- Clinical placement support included
- Master's degree and active RN license required
- Transfer credits accepted to reduce course load
- Prepares for national FNP certification
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Ohio State University
Ohio State University in Columbus, about two hours south of Akron, fields the broadest NP specialty lineup of any public university in Ohio, spanning FNP, AGNP (primary and acute care), PMHNP, PNP (primary and acute care), WHNP, and Neonatal NP. Its online MSN is ranked No. 1 nationally in 2026, and the FNP specialty ranks No. 3 overall. Most NP tracks are delivered through synchronous online classes with clinical placements arranged near the student's home community, so Akron-based nurses can often complete practicum hours at local health systems. In-state graduate tuition is competitive for a flagship research university.
- Hybrid BSN-to-DNP, completable in three years full-time
- Synchronous online classes with minimal campus visits
- Clinical placements near the student's home community
- Prepares for FNP certification through AANPCB or ANCC
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Available online or on campus
- Ranked No. 4 nationally for adult primary care NP
- 16 to 20 hours of weekly clinical practice expected
- Prepares for national board certification
- Comprehensive care for patients ages 13 and older
- Evidence-based training with expert faculty
- On-campus program focusing on acute care populations
- Requires one year of nursing experience for admission
- Eligible for AGACNP certification upon completion
- Covers complex patient management and clinical reasoning
- Post-master's study option available
- Based on national NONPF guidelines
- Hybrid format with 600 required clinical hours
- Covers lifespan mental health care and crisis intervention
- Includes neuroscience and psychopharmacology coursework
- Preceptors provided within Ohio
- MSN and BSN-to-DNP pathways both available
- Ranked No. 5 nationally for psychiatric NP
- On-campus MSN ranked No. 5 nationally by U.S. News
- Comprehensive care from birth through young adulthood
- Clinical experiences at Wexner Medical Center and affiliates
- Prepares for PNCB board certification
- Multiple degree pathways including BSN to DNP
- 16 to 20 hours of weekly clinical practice
- On-campus MSN with holistic women's health focus
- Prepares for NCC certification
- Part-time and full-time options available
- Clinical sites across Ohio
- Covers gynecologic, reproductive, and prenatal health
- Dual Nurse-Midwifery and WHNP track also offered
- Hybrid distance-enhanced learning format
- Requires 24 months of NICU experience
- Clinicals completed near the student's community
- Multiple degree pathway options available
- Evidence-based neonatal curriculum
- World-class neonatal faculty
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN to DNP) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (MSN) — On-Campus
Psychiatric Mental Health NP (MSN and BSN to DNP) — Hybrid
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care (MSN) — On-Campus
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Hybrid
Ursuline College
Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, about 30 minutes northwest of Akron, is a private institution recognized as an NLN Center of Excellence. It offers MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate pathways in PMHNP, AGPCNP, and AGACNP, with an 8-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio that fosters close mentorship. The hybrid delivery format blends online coursework with hands-on clinicals. While listed tuition runs higher than public universities, the institution-wide average net price of about $16,164 reflects substantial financial aid awards that help close the gap.
- Hybrid MSN covering lifespan mental health care
- CCNE accredited with advanced practice focus
- Requires one or more years of nursing experience
- Unencumbered RN license needed for admission
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- Located in greater Cleveland, close to Akron
- CCNE accredited campus-based MSN
- Comprehensive patient care across the adult lifespan
- Minimum one year of nursing experience required
- Fall and spring semester start dates
- Nationally ranked MSN program
- Current RN license mandatory
- Hybrid MSN focused on acute care populations
- CCNE accredited with ranked program status
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Requires one year of clinical nursing experience
- Covers complex patient monitoring and interventions
- Career advancement in hospital and critical care settings
- Hybrid DNP completable in 24 months full-time
- Four-year part-time option available
- Emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership
- Includes advanced pharmacology and health assessment
- Clinical practicums integrated throughout the program
- Terminal practice doctorate credential
- Campus-based post-graduate certificate
- Requires existing board certification as CNS or NP
- Focus on mental health assessment across the lifespan
- Covers therapeutic communication and psychopharmacology
- CCNE accredited
- Pathway to add PMHNP specialty
- Hybrid two-course certificate program
- Requires MSN degree for admission
- Focuses on adult-gerontology acute care
- Prepares for AGACNP certification exam
- Designed for working advanced-practice nurses
- CCNE accredited
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — On-Campus
Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (MSN) — Hybrid
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (MSN) — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, PMHNP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Certificate, AGACNP — On-Campus
Youngstown State University
Youngstown State University, about an hour east of Akron along I-76, stands out for its exceptionally low tuition. In-state undergraduate tuition runs roughly $6,848, and its graduate nursing programs maintain similarly competitive pricing, with the AGACNP post-master's certificate totaling around $19,548 for 36 credits. The online format and seven-week course blocks are designed for working nurses. YSU accepts students from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan, and its programs are approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
- Fully online, completable in as few as 18 months
- 36 credit hours with 540 clinical practicum hours
- Total in-state tuition approximately $19,548
- Approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and CCNE accredited
- Requires MSN degree and one year of critical care experience
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification exams
- Seven-week course durations for accelerated progress
Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, Post-Master's Certificate — Online
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati delivers one of the most comprehensive online NP portfolios in Ohio, covering FNP, AGNP, AGACNP, PMHNP, PNP (acute care), WHNP, and Neonatal NP across MSN, DNP, and post-master's certificate levels. Its 100% online, asynchronous coursework and multiple start dates per year make it a strong fit for Akron-area nurses who want maximum scheduling flexibility. Clinical hours are arranged in the student's local community, so you can stay in your current role while training. Certification pass rates consistently top 95%.
- 100% online with asynchronous coursework
- No required site visits for didactic portion
- Spring, summer, and fall start dates available
- Certification pass rates above 95%
- Faculty are active practicing nurses
- Federal financial aid and transfer credits accepted
- Online with in-person immersion sessions
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Prepares for PMHNP-C or PMHNP-BC certification
- Minimum one year of RN experience required
- Dedicated student success coordinator
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Hybrid DNP with hands-on skills labs
- Dual certification preparation available
- Limited to OH, KY, and IN residents for some tracks
- Guaranteed local preceptor placement
- On-campus labs required in two semesters
- Prepares for AGACNP-BC certification
- 100% online MSN with three yearly start dates
- Covers puberty through lifespan women's health
- Certified faculty who are clinical practitioners
- Prenatal care and gynecological management training
- Outpatient and inpatient setting preparation
- Higher Learning Commission accredited
- Online coursework with on-campus immersions
- Tuition at $836 per credit hour
- Full-time and part-time options
- Prepares for CPNP-BC certification
- Faculty are practicing pediatric nurses
- Dedicated clinical coordinator guidance
- Online MSN neonatal specialty track
- Part of broader MSN program offerings
- Advanced practice focus on complex neonatal care
- Experienced nursing faculty
- Designed for nurses already in neonatal settings
- Clinical planning support team provided
Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Psychiatric Mental Health NP (DNP) — Online
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (DNP) — Hybrid
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Pediatric Acute Care NP (DNP) — Hybrid
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (MSN) — Online
Miami University
Miami University in Oxford, about three hours southwest of Akron, offers a focused hybrid MSN in Family Nurse Practitioner. The program blends asynchronous online coursework with in-person clinical rotations and a required on-campus skills workshop. With a 100% FNP certification pass rate reported for 2024, it is a strong outcomes-driven choice. Eligibility is limited to residents of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky, and students must hold at least 1,000 hours of RN clinical experience before starting.
- Hybrid format: online coursework plus in-person clinicals
- 21-month full-time program with part-time option available
- 630 clinical hours and guaranteed clinical placement
- 100% FNP certification pass rate (2024)
- CCNE accredited with APEA test preparation included
- Requires 1,000 prior RN clinical hours and BSN
- On-campus skills workshop included in the curriculum
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franciscan University of Steubenville, located in eastern Ohio near the West Virginia border, offers a hybrid MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track with a transparent flat-rate tuition of $600 per credit hour, totaling roughly $28,800 for 48 credits. The six-semester program provides access to more than 300 preceptors across Ohio and neighboring states. As a private Catholic university, it pairs rigorous clinical preparation with a values-centered approach to patient care.
- 48 credit hours at $600 per credit, roughly $28,800 total
- Six-semester hybrid program with part-time option
- Access to over 300 preceptors in various healthcare settings
- CCNE accredited and prepares for national FNP certification
- Post-master's certificate pathway also available
- Fall, spring, and summer terms offered
Family Nurse Practitioner Track (MSN) — Hybrid
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University, about 90 minutes south of Akron, offers an online BSN-to-DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration. The program requires 60 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours, with an inaugural tuition rate of $417 per credit. It emphasizes primary care in underserved communities and is designed for nurses seeking a terminal practice doctorate with a leadership component.
- Fully online DNP with FNP concentration
- 60 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours required
- Inaugural tuition rate of $417 per credit hour
- Completable in 3.5 years or less
- BSN entry or up to 27 transferable graduate credits accepted
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Evidence-based practice and systems leadership focus
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Ashland University
Ashland University, about an hour west of Akron, offers an online DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration built around a cohort model and required residencies. The program prepares graduates for AANPCB or ANCC certification and emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership, and a scholarly project. Ashland accepts up to nine transfer credits and provides a gap analysis pathway for nurses who are already certified NPs seeking the doctoral credential.
- 100% online with cohort-based residency requirements
- Prepares for AANPCB or ANCC FNP certification
- Up to 9 graduate transfer credits accepted
- Scholarly DNP project as culminating experience
- Gap analysis pathway for already-certified NPs
- Meets Ohio APRN licensure requirements
- Interview required as part of admission process
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Online and Hybrid NP Programs Accessible from Akron
For Akron-area nurses, the central tradeoff with online NP programs is this: flexibility and breadth of program choice sound appealing until you realize that not every nationally marketed online program will place clinical hours in Ohio. The question is not just whether a program is online, but whether it will actually work for you where you live.
Ohio-Based Online Programs Worth Knowing
Three Ohio programs stand out for RNs in the Akron region who want the convenience of online coursework without the uncertainty of clinical placement logistics. For a broader look at available options statewide, see our guide to online FNP programs in Ohio.
Walsh University, located in North Canton and well within commuting range of Akron, offers an online MSN-FNP that is designed around Ohio students. The program provides school-assisted clinical placement, which takes a significant burden off working nurses trying to coordinate preceptors while holding down full-time jobs.1
Cleveland State University, just north of Akron, also delivers its MSN-FNP online and offers clinical placement assistance. Students handle key parts of the coordination themselves, so you will still need to be proactive, but the program provides a framework and support rather than leaving you entirely on your own.2
Ohio University offers an online MSN-FNP as well. Its preceptor placement model is not clearly published, so reaching out directly to the admissions or clinical placement office is the right first step before applying.3
How to Verify Any Program Before You Apply
For programs you are researching beyond these three, the most reliable way to confirm Ohio clinical placement policies is to contact each school's clinical placement coordinator directly. Admissions websites and brochures sometimes lag behind policy changes, and a direct conversation will give you the most current, specific answer. If you need help navigating the preceptor search process, our step-by-step guide on how to find NP preceptors covers the essentials.
A few additional checkpoints are worth building into your research:
- State nursing board: The Ohio Board of Nursing and state nursing associations sometimes maintain information on programs vetted for clinical activity in Ohio.
- Accreditation verification: The AANP and NONPF publish program accreditation information. Confirm accreditation status first, then follow up with individual schools about preceptor support.
- Employment data: BLS.gov is useful for understanding the nursing job market in the Akron area, but it will not tell you anything about placement logistics. For that, program-specific admissions pages and student handbooks are your best sources.
Taking these steps before you commit to an application will save you from surprises once clinical rotations begin.
NP Specialties and Degree Levels Available in the Akron Area
Which nurse practitioner specialties can you actually study in the Akron area, and which ones require looking beyond the local campus?
Local Specialty and Degree Options
The University of Akron offers an MSN with an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) track, making it the primary in-person NP pathway right in the city.1 The university also offers a DNP, though it is structured as a post-master's program, so there is no direct BSN-to-DNP entry track as of the 2025-2026 academic year.2 If you already hold an MSN and want to pursue the terminal practice doctorate, this is a strong local option.
For nurses searching for FNP programs, this is worth noting: FNP is the most widely available NP specialty nationwide, but it is not currently offered through the University of Akron's on-campus programs. Students in Akron seeking an FNP track typically look to nearby universities or accredited online and hybrid programs.
PMHNP and Other Specialty Tracks
Demand for Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) is surging across Ohio and nationally, driven by behavioral health workforce shortages. If you are searching for PMHNP programs near Akron, Kent State University (roughly 15 minutes east) and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland (about 40 minutes north) are two regional options that have historically offered psychiatric and other advanced NP tracks. Availability of specific concentrations can shift from year to year, so confirming current enrollment status directly with each school is recommended.
Other specialties, including Pediatric NP (PNP), Women's Health NP (WHNP), and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (AGACNP), are less commonly found at local brick-and-mortar campuses in the Akron metro. Nurses interested in these concentrations often enroll in accredited online or hybrid programs that allow clinical hours to be completed at sites in Northeast Ohio.
Understanding the Degree Pathways
Three main pathways serve different career stages:
- MSN: The entry point to NP practice. This is the degree that qualifies you to sit for national certification in your chosen specialty.
- DNP: The terminal practice doctorate. Ideal for NPs who want to lead clinical initiatives, shape health policy, or meet emerging employer preferences for doctoral-level preparation.
- Post-Master's Certificate: Designed for NPs who already hold an MSN or DNP and want to add a second population focus, such as an FNP adding a PMHNP credential.
If you are weighing a DNP program in Akron specifically, the University of Akron's post-master's DNP is the local option.2 BSN-prepared nurses who want a DNP without first completing a standalone MSN may need to explore programs at Kent State, Case Western Reserve, or accredited online universities that offer BSN-to-DNP tracks with clinical placement support in the Akron area.
Tuition, Credits, and Program Length at a Glance
The table below summarizes key details for NP tracks at the University of Akron based on the 2025-2026 academic bulletin. Per-credit tuition rates, exact clinical hour totals, and completion timelines vary by enrollment status, so contact each program's advisor for the most current figures. For online programs such as Chamberlain, Walden, and Purdue Global, visit their graduate nursing pages directly, as tuition and credit requirements change frequently. You can also verify program accreditation through CCNE or ACEN and confirm Ohio-specific clinical hour mandates on the Ohio Board of Nursing website.
| Program | School | Degree Level | Total Credits | Estimated Clinical Hours | Estimated Completion (Full-Time) | Estimated Completion (Part-Time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Gerontology Primary Care NP | University of Akron | MSN | 41 | 500+ | 2 to 2.5 years | 3 to 4 years |
| Child and Adolescent Health NP (Primary Care) | University of Akron | MSN | 42 | Contact program for details | Contact program for details | Contact program for details |
| Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP | University of Akron | MSN | Contact program for details | Contact program for details | Contact program for details | Contact program for details |
Clinical Placements and Preceptor Networks in Northeast Ohio
Securing clinical placements is a hands-on process that requires outreach to multiple partners across Northeast Ohio. Most NP programs expect students to participate in finding preceptors, especially in saturated metro markets where competition for clinical sites runs high. Akron and the surrounding region offer a strong network of health systems, community health centers, and university-affiliated sites, but you will need to start early and be proactive.
Major Health Systems and Affiliated Training Sites
Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Akron Children's Hospital anchor the regional clinical network. Each system maintains affiliation agreements with local university NP programs, and most have formalized processes for accepting students. Visit the clinical education or academic affairs pages on their websites to locate application portals, required documentation, and deadlines. Summa Health supports students across multiple specialties, including family, acute care, and psychiatric mental health tracks. Cleveland Clinic Akron General offers exposure to both outpatient and inpatient settings, and Akron Children's Hospital is a primary destination for pediatric NP students. Not all sites accept students from online or out-of-state programs, so confirm affiliation agreements before you commit.
University Clinical Coordinators and Partner Lists
University of Akron, Kent State University, and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) maintain updated lists of clinical partners and preceptor networks in their program handbooks or through dedicated clinical coordinators. Even if you are not enrolled at one of these schools, reviewing their partner lists can help you identify active sites and contacts in the Akron metro. Reach out to clinical coordinators at these universities to ask about open sites, typical placement timelines, and any regional partnerships that accept students from other programs. For a broader look at what is available statewide, explore nurse practitioner programs in Ohio.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
FQHCs in the Akron area often welcome NP students, especially in underserved neighborhoods. Use the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program Lookup tool to locate FQHCs by zip code, then contact their clinical education coordinators directly. Many FQHCs have a mission to train the next generation of primary care providers and may be more flexible than large hospital systems when it comes to affiliation paperwork.
Professional Associations and State Resources
The Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN) and the Ohio Board of Nursing both offer guidance on finding preceptors and navigating clinical placement requirements. OAAPN maintains a member directory that includes practicing NPs who may be willing to precept students, and the Board of Nursing can clarify scope-of-practice rules and supervision requirements that affect clinical training in Ohio. If you want a deeper walkthrough of the preceptor search process, our guide on NP clinical rotations covers what to expect at each stage.
FNP Salary and Job Outlook in the Akron Area
Nurse practitioner compensation in the Akron metro area tracks closely with both state and national figures, making the region a competitive place to launch or grow an NP career. Primary care clinics, behavioral health practices, and urgent care centers are among the top settings fueling local demand. Major employers in the area include Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, and Akron Children's Hospital.
Steps to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Ohio
Ohio's path from RN to nurse practitioner is straightforward once you know the milestones. The Ohio Board of Nursing oversees APRN licensure, the Certificate to Prescribe (CTP), and Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) requirements. Below is the general sequence most nurses follow. For the latest details, visit the Ohio Board of Nursing website directly, and check the AANP and ANCC sites for accepted national certification exams.
More NP Programs Accessible from Akron
In addition to the top-ranked programs listed above, here are more nurse practitioner programs accessible from Akron. These schools offer various specialties and formats within a reasonable commuting distance or through online learning.
Northeast Ohio
Case Western Reserve University Cleveland, OH · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care
- Family Systems Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, MSN
University of Mount Union Alliance, OH · Hybrid
- MSN Program (Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP))
- MSN Program (Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP))
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) (Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) certification)
Walsh University North Canton, OH · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
- Post-Graduate FNP Certificate
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN-DNP Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner
Malone University Canton, OH · On-Campus
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Post-Master's Certificate
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
University of Akron Akron, OH · On-Campus
- Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate (Acute Care)
- Post-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certificate
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Certificate
- Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Track
- Child and Adolescent Health Nurse Practitioner (Primary Health Care)
Northwest Ohio
University of Toledo Toledo, OH · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) - Family Nurse Practitioner
- Doctor of Nursing Practice: (Post-Baccalaureate to DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P. (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post Baccalaureate (B.S.N.) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P. (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Baccalaureate to D.N.P. (Nurse Executive)
- Post Master's (M.S.N.) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- Post-Baccalaureate to Doctor of Nursing Practice (Family Nurse Practitioner)
University of Findlay Findlay, OH · On-Campus
Central Ohio
Mount Carmel College of Nursing Columbus, OH · Online
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Graduate Certificate: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Otterbein University Westerville, OH · Hybrid
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate
- Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Post-Graduate Certificate
- Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Southeast Ohio
Ohio University Athens, OH · Online
- Post-Graduate Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Online Post-Master's PMHNP Certificate
- Post-Graduate Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate
- Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- BSN-DNP (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN-DNP (Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN-DNP (Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- BSN-DNP (Adult Gero-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
Southwest Ohio
Cedarville University Cedarville, OH · Hybrid
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care)
Miami University-Middletown Middletown, OH · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
Xavier University Cincinnati, OH · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Wright State University Dayton, OH · Hybrid
- Master of Science, Family Nurse Practitioner Concentration
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care Graduate Certificate
- Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
- Master of Science, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Concentration
Miami University-Hamilton Hamilton, OH · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
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- Best Nurse Practitioner Programs in Cleveland, OH
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