Neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP) provide care to high-risk infants who are experiencing complications of prematurity, like low birth weights and heart abnormalities. Many NNPs care for infants in neonatal intensive care units, but some may follow their patients until they turn two years old.
With the state of Ohio’s robust population and healthcare system, neonatal nurses or nurses that can work in neonatal intensive care units (NICU’s) are in consistent deman. Ohio has two NNP programs in Ohio: one at Case Western Reserve and one at Ohio State University. Each program is accredited and prepares graduates for national certification as a nurse practitioner specializing in neonatal care.
How to choose an NNP program in Ohio
Ohio has two in-state NNP (Neonatal NP) programs: Case Western Reserve and Ohio State. NNP is the rarest NP specialty nationally because of the specialized NICU clinical requirements — most programs require significant level-III or level-IV NICU experience as a prerequisite, and preceptor availability is the constraint. Both Ohio programs are CCNE-accredited and prepare graduates for the NNP-BC certification via the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
Case Western’s program operates in partnership with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s and the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. Ohio State partners with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric systems in the US. Applicants wanting maximum clinical volume should factor NICU bed count and level-of-care into the school choice. Under Ohio scope rules, NNPs practice under a Standard Care Arrangement.
Ohio NNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 2+ CCNE-accredited Neonatal NP (NNP) programs in Ohio at the MSN or DNP level.
- Ohio NP mean annual wage: approximately $120,500 per BLS OEWS data. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati metros pay above the state average.
- Scope of practice: Ohio requires a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a supervising physician for APRN prescriptive authority. No full practice authority. Ohio Board of Nursing oversees licensure.
- National job growth: NPs projected to see 40%+ growth 2024–2034 per BLS OOH.
- Limited Ohio options — Case Western Reserve and Ohio State are the two in-state NNP pathways. NNP programs nationally are the rarest NP specialty given specialized NICU clinical requirements.
- Certification — NNP-BC via the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Requires MSN or DNP with NNP focus.
If you are exploring NNP programs in Ohio, this page covers program details including credit hours, clinical requirements, tuition, and modality for all three accredited programs. Ohio is a Reduced Practice state, so NNPs must maintain a Standard Care Arrangement with a collaborating physician. For those considering other NP specialties in Ohio, see our guides to PMHNP programs, AGNP programs, and PNP programs in the state.
Case Western Reserve
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 700
Tuition: Between $1,091 and $2,248 per credit
Program Overview:
Case Western Reserve’s NNP program runs through the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing with clinical rotations at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s and Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital — two of the region’s largest level III/IV NICUs. The private-university setting supports small cohorts and named-faculty mentorship. A fit for RNs with strong NICU prerequisites who want top-tier academic-medical-center preceptor access; Ohio State’s Nationwide Children’s partnership is the alternative for higher-volume tertiary exposure.
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- On-campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Unavailable
Tuition: $972.50 per credit
Program Overview:
Ohio State’s NNP partners with Nationwide Children’s Hospital — one of the largest pediatric systems in the United States — for its clinical rotations. Flagship-public tuition keeps cost below Case Western. A fit for Columbus-area RNs or applicants willing to relocate who want maximum NICU clinical volume and research-active faculty; regional Ohio RNs should factor commute to Columbus for any on-campus immersions.
Ohio NNP Program Comparison Table
The following table compares all two NNP programs in Ohio side by side, including modality, credit hours, clinical requirements, and tuition.
| Program | Modality | Credits | Clinical Hours | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve | Online/On-Campus | 40 | 700 | $1,091–$2,248/credit |
| Ohio State University | On-Campus | Varies | N/A | $972.50/credit |
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ohio
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024), nurse practitioners in Ohio earn an average salary of $121,250 per year and a median salary of $126,740. The national median NP salary is $129,210. While BLS does not break out NNP-specific salaries, NNPs working in neonatal intensive care units often earn at or above these averages due to the specialized nature of the role.
NNP Licensure Requirements in Ohio
Ohio is a “Reduced Practice” state for nurse practitioners. NNPs must hold an active RN license, complete an accredited NNP program, and pass the NCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam. To practice in Ohio, NNPs must establish a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA) with a collaborating physician and obtain a Certificate to Prescribe (CTP) from the Ohio Board of Nursing. After completing at least 1,000 hours of NP practice, NNPs may apply for independent prescriptive authority for non-controlled substances. For more details, visit the Ohio Board of Nursing website.
Ohio NNP Programs: Frequently Asked Questions
How many NNP programs are in Ohio?
Ohio has 2 CCNE-accredited NNP programs: Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland) and Ohio State University (Columbus). NNP is the rarest NP specialty nationally due to specialized NICU clinical training requirements.
What are the clinical prerequisites for NNP admission?
Most NNP programs require significant level III or level IV NICU experience as a prerequisite — typically 2 years of full-time NICU RN work. Preceptor availability is often the admission-limiting factor rather than academic prerequisites.
What certification do NNP graduates pursue?
NNP graduates sit for the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (NNP-BC) exam administered by the National Certification Corporation (NCC). Maintenance requires clinical practice hours and continuing education.
Which Ohio NNP program has the strongest clinical affiliation?
Both programs have strong affiliations. Case Western partners with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Children’s. Ohio State partners with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric systems in the US. NICU bed count and level-of-care are worth factoring into the school choice.
What is the average NNP salary in Ohio?
According to BLS OEWS data, Ohio NPs average approximately $120,500 annually. NNPs typically earn above the NP specialty average given the acuity and specialized nature of NICU practice.