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 three NNP programs in Ohio: one at Case Western Reserve, one at Ohio State University, and one at Wright State University. Each program is accredited and prepares graduates for national certification as a nurse practitioner specializing in neonatal care.
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 also offers a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program comprising 40 credit hours over four semesters for full-time students. Part-time options are available and take about three years to complete. The program is a mix of online and on-campus courses and 700 hours of clinical at level III NICUs, like Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Children’s Hospital and their affiliates, and Akron Children’s. Before beginning this program, students must have one year of full-time, level III NICU experience.
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 offers several options for its Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program. Students in the traditional MSN program, BSN to DNP program, and Post-Master’s study can complete it online. Those pursuing a BSN to PhD or who are in the Graduate Entry MS for non-nurses program must attend classes on campus. The program offers the flexibility to be completed either full- or part-time and, in some cases, complete clinical hours close to home. This program emphasizes evidence-based practice and integrates personal wellness to help promote clinician well-being.
Wright State University
- Dayton, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 55
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $680 per credit for residents; $1,145 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at Wright State University offers courses in a hybrid format, which makes the program accessible to students with busy work schedules or who do not live close to campus, but those who wish to take classes in person can do so. Clinical rotations are generally done at Dayton Children’s Hospital, Kettering Hospital, or Miami Valley Hospital. Part-time options are available, and students can start the program in the summer, fall, or spring.
Ohio NNP Program Comparison Table
The following table compares all three 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 |
| Wright State University | Online/On-Campus | 55 | N/A | $680–$1,145/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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NNP programs are in Ohio?
Ohio has three accredited NNP programs in Ohio: Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State University, and Wright State University.
What is the average NNP salary in Ohio?
According to the BLS (May 2024), nurse practitioners in Ohio earn an average salary of $121,250 per year. NNPs in NICU settings may earn at or above this average.
Can I complete an NNP program online in Ohio?
Two of Ohio’s three NNP programs (Case Western Reserve and Wright State) offer online or hybrid coursework. Ohio State’s program is primarily on-campus, though some pathways include online components. All programs require in-person clinical hours.
What certification do Ohio NNPs need?
Ohio NNPs must pass the NCC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner certification exam. They must also obtain a Standard Care Arrangement and Certificate to Prescribe through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
How long does it take to become an NNP in Ohio?
Full-time students can complete most NNP programs in Ohio in approximately two years. Part-time options are available at all three programs and may extend the timeline to three years or more. A DNP pathway may take additional time.