Most important takeaways…
- Cleveland-area schools offer at least six NP specialties, including FNP, PMHNP, AGNP, PNP, WHNP, and AGACNP tracks.
- Most BSN-to-MSN programs in the region take about two to three years, while BSN-to-DNP tracks run three to four years.
- Several Ohio universities near Cleveland publish total tuition well under $50,000 for their MSN nurse practitioner programs.
- Major health systems like Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals partner with area schools for clinical placements.
On-campus cohorts anchored to a single health system or fully online programs that pair with local preceptors: Cleveland-area nurses have both paths available, along with several hybrid models in between. The region's density of major employers, including Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth, creates steady demand for advanced practice providers and gives NP students access to high-acuity clinical rotations that are harder to find in smaller markets.
Programs within a reasonable commute cover six common specialties, three degree levels, and price points ranging from public university rates to private tuition north of $50,000. Students regularly drive in from Akron, Canton, Youngstown, and Lorain County. Those considering a doctoral track can explore online DNP NP programs in Ohio alongside local options. With Ohio granting structured practice authority after a defined collaborative period, the credential carries real autonomy once you clear the post-licensure threshold.
Cleveland-Area NP Programs at a Glance
Working nurses across Northeast Ohio have a broad range of nurse practitioner programs within reach, from schools right in the Cleveland metro to respected institutions a short drive away in Kent, Youngstown, Ashland, and beyond. The programs below span multiple NP specialties and degree levels, and each one accepts Ohio-licensed RNs. Graduation rates cited are institution-wide figures reported to the federal government, not specific to any single nursing program.
- Institutional graduation and retention rates
- Tuition and net price affordability
- Breadth of NP specialties offered
- Clinical placement accessibility
- Program delivery flexibility
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
Cleveland State University
Located in downtown Cleveland, Cleveland State University is the most geographically convenient option for nurses already working in the city's major health systems. Its community-focused MSN and DNP programs prepare nurse practitioners specifically for urban and underserved populations across Northeast Ohio. CSU offers clinical placement support and maintains strong ties with local hospitals and clinics, making it a natural fit for RNs who want to study, train, and practice without leaving the metro area. The institution-wide graduation rate is 50.6%, and in-state graduate tuition starts at roughly $637 per credit hour.
- 47 credit hours with 780 required clinical hours
- Hybrid format: 100% online coursework plus one campus residency
- In-state tuition approximately $637 per credit hour
- Full-time completion in about two years
- Three annual start dates: fall, spring, and summer
- CCNE accredited with clinical placement support
- 48 credit hours with 780 clinical hours
- Fully online coursework with local clinical experiences
- Prepares graduates for lifespan PMHNP certification
- Two-year full-time timeline
- Available to BSN-prepared RNs with a 3.0 GPA
- Three intakes per year
- 35 credit hours for MSN-prepared nurses
- 100% online coursework with one campus visit
- 780 clinical hours in community-based settings
- Completable in about 15 months full-time
- Transfer credits may reduce course requirements
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- 36 credit hours for nurses with a master's or doctoral degree
- Fully online format with local clinical placements
- 780 clinical hours across mental health settings
- Completable in approximately 15 months
- In-state and out-of-state tuition nearly identical
- Prepares for PMHNP certification exam
- Hybrid format blending online and in-person learning
- 10-semester timeline with full-time and part-time options
- Requires BSN with a 3.25 GPA and one year RN experience
- Clinical experiences in world-renowned Cleveland health systems
- Doctorally prepared faculty
- State-of-the-art clinical simulation labs
- 11-semester program with hybrid delivery
- Covers pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions
- Requires one year of RN experience and a 3.3 GPA
- Prepares for PMHNP practice across the lifespan
- Evidence-based curriculum with community health focus
- Faculty interview required for admission
Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Master of Science in Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-Baccalaureate to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Ursuline College
Ursuline College sits in Pepper Pike, a Cleveland suburb, giving it the closest physical proximity of any private NP program to the city's major hospital networks. Designated a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence, Ursuline offers MSN, DNP, and post-graduate certificate pathways in PMHNP, adult-gerontology primary care, and adult-gerontology acute care. The intimate 8-to-1 student-faculty ratio supports hands-on mentoring, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 66.7%.
- CCNE-accredited campus-based program
- Minimum one year of nursing experience required
- Fall and spring semester start options
- Prepares for comprehensive primary care of adults and older adults
- Nationally ranked MSN program
- Current unencumbered RN license needed
- Hybrid format combining online and on-campus learning
- Focus on high-acuity patient populations
- Prepares for AGACNP national certification
- Requires at least one year of nursing experience
- CCNE accredited through current cycle
- Ranked among top graduate nursing programs in Ohio
- Hybrid delivery covering lifespan mental health care
- Builds advanced practice skills in assessment and psychotherapy
- CCNE accredited with NLN Center of Excellence designation
- One-plus year of nursing experience required
- Prepares for national PMHNP board certification
- Small cohort sizes for individualized attention
- Campus-based certificate for board-certified NPs or CNSs
- Focuses on child, adolescent, and adult mental health
- Includes psychopharmacology and therapeutic communication
- Prepares for PMHNP certification
- Located minutes from Cleveland's major health systems
- CCNE accredited program
- Two-course hybrid certificate for MSN-prepared nurses
- Covers complex patient monitoring and high-intensity interventions
- Prepares for AGACNP certification
- Financial aid available
- Designed for working advanced-practice nurses
- CCNE accredited
- Hybrid format for nurses with a master's degree
- Covers care from adolescence through older adulthood
- Health maintenance and disease prevention emphasis
- Leads to NP certification in primary care
- Flexible career options in private or community practice
- CCNE accredited
- Hybrid learning with 24-month full-time or four-year part-time options
- Includes advanced health assessment and pharmacology
- Clinical practicums in Northeast Ohio settings
- Evidence-based practice and leadership focus
- Terminal doctoral degree with clinical concentration
- Prepares for advanced practice certification
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Certificate, PMHNP — On-Campus
Post-Graduate Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Post-Graduate Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Hybrid
Kent State University
Kent State University is roughly 40 minutes south of Cleveland, making it one of the most accessible brick-and-mortar options for Northeast Ohio nurses. The College of Nursing, a three-time NLN Center of Excellence, offers MSN concentrations in FNP, PMHNP, WHNP, AGNP, and PNP, plus several fully online post-master's certificates. In-state graduate tuition runs about $613 per credit hour, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 63.7%.
- 100% online delivery with no campus visits required
- Full-time and part-time study options
- Fall and spring start dates available
- CCNE accredited, NLN Center of Excellence
- Prepares for lifespan PMHNP certification
- Faculty are nationally certified APRNs
- Hybrid format with many courses available online
- Clinical experiences in diverse Northeast Ohio settings
- CCNE accredited with nationally certified faculty
- Full-time and part-time pacing available
- Fall and spring admission cycles
- Prepares for AGPCNP board certification
- Hybrid delivery with substantial online coursework
- CCNE accredited with two annual start dates
- Full-time and part-time options for working nurses
- Faculty mentorship throughout clinical experiences
- Prepares for pediatric NP certification
- Located in the greater Cleveland commuting area
- 100% online coursework with clinical practicum
- CCNE accredited and NLN Center of Excellence
- Focuses on ambulatory and primary care for women
- No campus visits required for didactic work
- Post-master's certificate also available
- Flexible learning path for working professionals
- 34 credit hours for nurses with a graduate nursing degree
- Mostly online delivery from the Kent campus
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Includes clinical practicums in adult, pediatric, and family health
- Requires a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
- Flexible admission deadlines across fall, spring, and summer
- 34 credit hours, fully online
- Ohio resident tuition approximately $613 per credit
- Requires MSN and active unencumbered RN license
- Includes neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy courses
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- Part-time and full-time pacing available
- 30 credit hours, 100% online
- Covers advanced health assessment and pharmacology
- Prepares for national women's health NP certification
- Ohio resident tuition approximately $613 per credit
- CCNE accredited with clinical practicum
- Designed for flexibility around work schedules
- 29 credit hours, mostly online
- Requires a master's or DNP in nursing
- Includes clinical diagnostics and practicum courses
- Prepares for AGPCNP certification
- Equitable, evidence-based care focus
- Clinical compliance and background check required
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
Graduate Certificate, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Graduate Certificate, PMHNP — On-Campus
Graduate Certificate, Women's Health NP — On-Campus
Graduate Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — On-Campus
Ohio State University
Ohio State University in Columbus is farther from Cleveland but ranks among the nation's top nursing schools, with U.S. News placing its online MSN program first nationally and multiple NP specialties in the top five. The College of Nursing offers one of Ohio's widest NP specialty menus, including FNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, PNP (primary and acute care), PMHNP, WHNP, and neonatal NP at both the MSN and BSN-to-DNP levels. Cleveland-area students can complete most clinical hours locally, though two to three brief Columbus visits are typically required for skills intensives. The institution-wide graduation rate is 87.7%, and in-state tuition is approximately $13,900 per year.
- Available online or on campus
- Prepares for national AGPCNP board certification
- 16 to 20 hours of weekly clinical practice
- Ranked in the national top five by U.S. News
- Evidence-based training with expert faculty
- Comprehensive care for patients age 13 and older
- On-campus program with simulation equipment
- Requires one year of nursing experience
- 600 clinical hours required
- Eligible for AGACNP certification
- Covers complex patient management and clinical reasoning
- Based on national NONPF guidelines
- Hybrid format with online and on-campus components
- 600 clinical hours across inpatient and outpatient settings
- Covers neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy
- Prepares for APRN licensure across the lifespan
- Preceptors provided for Ohio-based students
- Crisis intervention and substance use disorder training
- Ranked fifth nationally by U.S. News for pediatric NP
- Clinical experiences at the Wexner Medical Center
- Covers birth through young adulthood
- Eligible for PNCB board certification
- 16 to 20 hours of weekly clinical practice
- Multiple degree pathways including post-master's
- Campus-based with clinical placements at Nationwide Children's Hospital
- 600 clinical hours covering infancy through adulthood
- Prepares for CPNP-AC certification
- Requires prior pediatric nursing experience
- Full-time or part-time study options
- Post-master's pathway available
- On-campus program preparing for NCC certification
- Holistic focus on gynecologic and reproductive health
- Clinical sites across Ohio
- Part-time and full-time scheduling available
- Evidence-based practice with leadership development
- Dual Nurse-Midwifery and WHNP track also offered
- Hybrid, distance-enhanced learning format
- Requires 24 months of NICU experience
- Clinicals arranged near the student's home community
- World-class neonatal faculty
- Multiple degree pathway options
- Evidence-based curriculum
- Hybrid format with synchronous online classes
- Three-year program earning MSN en route to DNP
- Full-time and part-time options available
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Clinical experiences arranged near student's home
- Prepares for national FNP certification
- Hybrid delivery with synchronous online classes
- Three-year program with 10 specialty concentration options
- Earns MSN en route to DNP
- Scholarly project required
- Online-only specialty with local clinical experiences
- Fall admission with holistic application review
- Available on campus or via synchronous distance learning
- Completable in three years full-time
- Clinical placements at the Wexner Medical Center
- Two application rounds per year
- Leadership development integrated throughout
- Prepares for advanced practice certification
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
MSN, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
MSN, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
BSN to DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
BSN to DNP, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Online
Miami University
Miami University in Oxford, about four hours southwest of Cleveland, delivers its MSN Family Nurse Practitioner program in a hybrid format that suits distance learners willing to travel for occasional skills workshops. The 21-month program reported a 100% FNP certification pass rate in 2024, and clinical placements are guaranteed. Miami's institution-wide graduation rate is 79.8%, with in-state tuition around $16,750 per year. Admission is limited to residents of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, or Kentucky.
- Hybrid format: asynchronous online coursework plus in-person clinicals
- 21-month full-time timeline with part-time option available
- 630 total clinical hours with guaranteed placement
- 100% FNP certification pass rate reported for 2024
- CCNE accredited with APEA test preparation included
- Requires 1,000 hours of prior RN clinical experience
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Franciscan University of Steubenville, located in Ohio's eastern panhandle about two hours from Cleveland, offers a focused MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track with transparent pricing: 48 credit hours at $600 per credit, totaling roughly $28,800. The hybrid program spans six semesters, and students draw from a network of more than 300 preceptors across Ohio. The institution-wide graduation rate is 75.4%, and a post-master's FNP certificate is also available.
- 48 credit hours at $600 per credit (approximately $28,800 total)
- Hybrid delivery across six semesters
- Over 300 preceptors available statewide
- Part-time study option for working nurses
- CCNE accredited with post-master's certificate pathway
- Prepares for national FNP certification
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner Track — Hybrid
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is roughly four hours from Cleveland, but its robust suite of fully online NP programs makes geography less of a barrier. UC offers MSN and DNP tracks in FNP, AGPCNP, AGACNP, PMHNP, WHNP, pediatric acute care, and neonatal NP, with asynchronous coursework and certification pass rates consistently above 95%. Ohio-based students complete clinicals at approved local sites. The institution-wide graduation rate is 75%, and Ohio resident graduate tuition is about $14,900 per year.
- 100% online with no required campus visits
- Asynchronous coursework with three annual start dates
- Above 95% national certification pass rate
- Faculty are practicing nurse practitioners
- Federal financial aid and transfer credits accepted
- Network of more than 20,000 nursing alumni
- Online program focusing on patients age 13 and older
- Emphasis on preventative, chronic, and community-based care
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
- Prepares for national AGPCNP certification
- Three start terms per year
- Open to Ohio-resident RNs with BSN
- 100% online with three annual start dates
- Covers puberty through lifespan care including prenatal health
- Faculty are certified clinical practitioners
- Prepares for both outpatient and inpatient settings
- Wellness promotion and gynecological management focus
- Higher Learning Commission accredited
- Online MSN concentration in neonatal care
- Advanced practice specialty for experienced NICU nurses
- Part of UC's broader MSN program offerings
- Faculty with extensive neonatal practice backgrounds
- Prepares for complex neonatal patient management
- Accredited college of nursing
- Online with periodic on-campus immersions
- Prepares for FNP-BC and FNP-C certification
- Full-time and part-time options, fall start
- Faculty are practicing nurses
- Dedicated enrollment advisor and clinical site coordinator
- Financial aid and scholarships available
- Online coursework with in-person immersion sessions
- Tuition approximately $836 per credit hour
- Prepares for PMHNP-C and PMHNP-BC exams
- Minimum one year of RN experience required
- Dedicated support team throughout the program
- Fall semester admission only
- Hybrid format with on-campus skills labs in two semesters
- Prepares for AGACNP-BC and dual certification
- Guaranteed local preceptor placements
- Limited to Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana residents
- Full-time and part-time scheduling
- Faculty are practicing nurses
- Online coursework with on-campus immersions
- Tuition approximately $836 per credit hour
- Prepares for CPNP-BC certification
- Requires BSN and MSN from accredited institutions
- Fall start with full-time and part-time options
- Dedicated clinical site coordinator support
- Online with clinical requirements, completable in 16 months
- Requires MSN with a 3.0 GPA
- Individualized program plan with support team
- Spring, summer, and fall course availability
- Prepares for national PMHNP certification
- Taught by practicing faculty
- Hybrid delivery with in-person labs and online coursework
- Tuition from $836 per credit for Ohio residents
- Requires MSN and residency in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana
- Skills training includes suturing and advanced procedures
- Prepares for national AGACNP certification
- Fall semester start only
- Hybrid format focusing on patients age 13 and older
- Holistic care approach with national certification preparation
- Ohio resident tuition $836 per credit
- Requires BSN GPA of 3.25 and one year RN experience
- Clinical site coordinator assistance provided
- Enrollment services advisor support
- Hybrid program preparing for CPNP-BC exam
- Requires BSN and MSN from accredited programs
- Tuition $836 per credit hour
- Fall semester start, individualized study plans
- Open to residents of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana
- Faculty are practicing pediatric nurses
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
MSN, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner — Online
DNP, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
DNP, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner — Hybrid
Post-MSN Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health NP — Online
Post-MSN Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Post-MSN Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP — Online
Post-MSN Certificate, Pediatric Acute Care NP — Hybrid
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University, about two hours south of Cleveland, launched an online DNP with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration featuring an inaugural tuition rate of $417 per credit hour, one of the lowest per-credit costs among Ohio DNP programs. The 60-credit-hour curriculum includes 1,000 clinical hours and is designed for completion in about 3.5 years. The institution-wide graduation rate is 68.1%.
- Online format with 60 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours
- Inaugural tuition rate of $417 per credit hour
- Completable in approximately 3.5 years
- BSN entry or up to 27 transferable graduate credits accepted
- Emphasizes evidence-based practice and systems leadership
- Prepares for national FNP certification
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Ashland University
Ashland University, about 70 miles southwest of Cleveland, offers a fully online DNP with an FNP concentration built around a cohort model and residency experiences that foster peer collaboration. The program accepts BSN or MSN-prepared nurses and allows up to nine transfer credits. The institution-wide graduation rate is 60.6%, and graduate tuition is approximately $8,400 per year, making it one of the more affordable private options in Ohio.
- 100% online format with cohort-based residencies
- Prepares for AANPCB or ANCC certification
- Accepts up to nine transfer graduate credits
- 3.0 minimum GPA with interview required for admission
- Scholarly DNP project as culminating experience
- Meets Ohio APRN licensure requirements
DNP, Family Nurse Practitioner — On-Campus
Youngstown State University
Youngstown State University, roughly 75 miles southeast of Cleveland near the Pennsylvania border, offers an online post-master's certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. At about $543 per credit hour and $19,548 total in-state tuition for 36 credits, it is among the most affordable post-master's NP certificates in the region. The program includes 540 clinical hours and is approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. YSU's institution-wide graduation rate is 50.5%.
- 36 credit hours completable in as few as 18 months
- Total in-state tuition approximately $19,548
- 540 clinical practicum hours in acute care settings
- Prepares for ANCC or AANP certification exams
- Open to residents of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan
- Seven-week course format with multiple start dates
Post-Master's Certificate, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP — Online
NP Specialties Available in the Cleveland Metro
Not every school in the Cleveland metro offers every nurse practitioner specialty, so knowing which tracks are available where can save you time during your program search. The table below maps six common NP concentrations across seven area universities, based on 2025 to 2026 catalog data. Case Western Reserve and Kent State stand out for the breadth of their specialty offerings, while smaller programs like Walsh University and Youngstown State focus on a narrower set of tracks.
| School | FNP | AGNP | PMHNP | PNP | WHNP | AGACNP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleveland State University | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Ursuline College | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Kent State University | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| University of Akron | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Walsh University | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Youngstown State University | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Online vs. On-Campus vs. Hybrid Program Formats
Program format determines how you balance graduate coursework with your nursing career, and Cleveland-area schools offer meaningful variety. Understanding what each label actually means helps you choose a path that fits your schedule without surprises.
What 'Hybrid' Really Means in Practice
Most NP programs in the Cleveland metro describe themselves as hybrid or online-friendly, but the specific requirements differ. Cleveland State University's MSN-FNP program offers 100% online coursework with just one required campus residency over the full 24-month program.1 Case Western Reserve University describes its FNP track as online/on-campus in a format designed to minimize campus trips, though the exact number of required visits is not publicly specified.2 Miami University's hybrid FNP includes an on-campus skills workshop alongside online coursework. Before enrolling, ask each program directly how many immersions, synchronous sessions, or weekend intensives are mandatory.
Clinical Hours Are Always Local
Regardless of how lectures and exams are delivered, clinical hours must be completed in person with a preceptor. Cleveland State requires 780 clinical hours for its FNP program, and those rotations happen at healthcare sites near your home, not online.1 A program labeled "online" means didactic coursework is remote; it does not eliminate the commitment to supervised patient care. Plan for these hours when evaluating your work schedule.
Formats That Work for Shift Nurses
Working RNs juggling 12-hour shifts often succeed with asynchronous coursework that allows them to study on off-days rather than logging in at fixed times. Part-time pacing spreads credit loads across more semesters, reducing weekly demands. Programs with weekend intensives concentrate campus time into manageable blocks, though they require advance scheduling. University of Cincinnati's FNP program, for example, is 100% online with no site visits and asynchronous delivery, making it accessible to Cleveland-area students seeking maximum flexibility.
Ohio Board of Nursing Approval Matters
Ohio residents can enroll in nationally available online NP programs, but not every out-of-state school holds Ohio State Board of Nursing approval. Before committing to a program based elsewhere, confirm it meets Ohio's requirements for APRN licensure. Programs without state approval may create complications when you apply for your certificate to practice.
MSN, DNP, and Post-Master's Certificate Pathways
For nurses in the Cleveland area weighing their next credential, the three main pathways each serve a different career stage. The BSN-to-MSN route remains the most common entry into nurse practitioner practice, typically requiring around 40 to 48 credits and about two years of study. The BSN-to-DNP pathway is growing in popularity as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing continues to promote doctoral preparation as the future standard for advanced practice, though Ohio does not currently require a DNP for NP licensure. Post-master's certificates are ideal for NPs who already hold an MSN and want to add a second specialty, such as moving from FNP to PMHNP, with a shorter credit load of roughly 35 credits.
Affordable NP Programs in the Cleveland Area
Cost is a major factor for working nurses weighing NP programs, and several Ohio schools within reach of Cleveland offer competitive tuition. The table below compares published tuition rates and average net prices after financial aid. Keep in mind that graduate tuition for NP programs may differ from the undergraduate figures listed here, so contact each school's admissions office for program-specific cost details.
| School | City | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Avg. Net Price | Student-to-Faculty Ratio | NP Program Highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngstown State University | Youngstown | $6,848 | $7,028 | $12,767 | 20:1 | Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP (Post-Master's Certificate, Online) |
| University of Akron | Akron | $10,125 | $15,885 | $13,946 | 17:1 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Post-MSN Certificate, Campus) |
| Miami University, Hamilton | Hamilton | $16,359 | $37,399 | $11,286 | 12:1 | Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, Hybrid) |
| Miami University, Middletown | Middletown | N/A | N/A | $10,809 | 15:1 | Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, Hybrid) |
| Mount Carmel College of Nursing | Columbus | $22,602 | $22,602 | $10,420 | 8:1 | Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN, Online) |
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse Practitioner in Cleveland?
The path from BSN to licensed nurse practitioner follows a clear sequence, but the calendar time varies depending on the degree track you choose and whether you study full-time or part-time. Most Cleveland-area MSN programs can be completed in about two years of full-time study (roughly 47 credits at Cleveland State, for example), while part-time students typically finish in three to four years. BSN-to-DNP tracks run three to four years full-time. If you already hold an MSN and want to add a second population focus, post-master's certificates generally take 12 to 18 months.
Clinical Placements and Local Hospital Partnerships
Access to world-class clinical sites may be one of Cleveland's greatest advantages for NP students, and how a school manages that access can make or break your experience in a program.
Who Coordinates Your Placements
One of the most important questions to ask any NP program is whether the school coordinates clinical placements on your behalf or expects you to find your own preceptors. This distinction matters enormously when you are working full-time and cannot spend weeks cold-calling physician offices. For a deeper look at what clinical hours involve, see our guide to nurse practitioner clinical rotations.
Cleveland State University's School of Nursing operates on a school-coordinated placement model and holds formal affiliation agreements with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth.1 That structure means clinical coordinators manage the logistics of matching students with approved sites, rather than leaving that burden to the student.
Case Western Reserve University maintains established academic affiliations with University Hospitals and MetroHealth, and a working relationship with Cleveland Clinic.2 Students in that program benefit from those institutional connections as well, though the specific coordination process is worth confirming directly with the program.
How Cleveland Clinic Manages Affiliations
Cleveland Clinic uses a platform called ACEMAPP to manage its academic affiliation agreements.3 Agreements are established at the school level, not by individual students or preceptors.4 If you are exploring an out-of-state or fully online program, it is worth asking your admissions contact directly whether that school has an active affiliation agreement with Cleveland Clinic before you enroll. A program without that agreement cannot place you at Cleveland Clinic sites, regardless of where you live. Our article on how online nursing programs arrange local clinical placements walks through that process in more detail.
In 2025, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals launched a joint initiative through the Cuyahoga County Healthcare Sector Partnership focused on training more nursing educators, a signal that both systems are deepening their commitment to academic collaboration across the region.5
The Clinical Advantage of an Academic Medical Hub
Cleveland's concentration of academic medical centers is a genuine asset for NP students. Rotating through systems like Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth, Summa Health in Akron, and Akron Children's Hospital exposes students to complex, high-acuity patient populations that community-based sites simply cannot replicate at the same scale. That breadth of exposure strengthens diagnostic reasoning and positions graduates well for national certification exams.
If clinical site quality and placement support are priorities for you, programs with existing affiliation agreements in the Cleveland metro are worth weighting heavily in your decision.
Ohio APRN Licensure Requirements
More NP Programs Within Reach of Cleveland
In addition to the programs highlighted above, the following schools offer NP programs within commuting distance of Cleveland or through online formats that pair with local clinical placements. Many of these options serve students from across Ohio and neighboring states.
Cleveland Area
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
Columbus Area
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
Akron/Canton Area
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)
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)
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
Toledo Area
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)
Dayton Area
Cedarville University Cedarville, OH · Hybrid
- MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- DNP - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Primary Care)
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
Cincinnati Area
Xavier University Cincinnati, OH · Online
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner
- Post-Master's Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate
Miami University-Hamilton Hamilton, OH · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
Other Ohio Regions
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)
University of Findlay Findlay, OH · On-Campus
- AGACNP
- AGPCNP
Miami University-Middletown Middletown, OH · Hybrid
- Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
- Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner)
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