Research shows that, by 2030, the United States is projected to have a physician shortage of about 120,000. The state of Ohio is projected to be short about 680 doctors, with low-income residents in the rural and Appalachian regions being the hardest hit. Luckily, nurse practitioners are stepping up to fill this gap. In Ohio, pursuing a nurse practitioner degree can lead to a fulfilling career helping the people who need it most.
Ohio also offers many professional organizations and networking opportunities for nurse practitioners. The Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses offers chapters across the state. It holds a state-wide conference and other events every year, as well as webinars and access to continuing education opportunities. Those specializing in geriatrics can join the Ohio chapter of the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association, which offers educational opportunities and continues to promote high standards of care for older adults.
Many of the large hospital systems in Ohio are located in Cleveland, on the shores of Lake Erie in the northeastern part of the state. This city is home to the Cleveland Clinic, consistently rated as one of the top hospital systems in the world. In Columbus, located near the state’s center, you’ll find the Ohio State University Hospital, the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, and Nationwide Childrens Hospital, rated as one of the top ten hospitals in the country for various pediatric care specialties.
Ohio offers many fun and exciting regional activities, too. You can enjoy the waters of Lake Erie, hike the Appalachians, and visit the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton. Whether you’re interested in experiencing life in Columbus or Cincinnati or want to explore the rural areas, Ohio offers many nurse practitioner programs and job opportunities if you choose to stay after graduation.
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NP Programs in Ohio
Ohio has a multitude of nurse practitioner programs in various specialties. Between private and public colleges and universities, there are more than 60 programs to choose from. While every program has an in-person clinical component, many offer online classes and permit students to complete practicum hours at a location close to their homes.
FNP Programs in Ohio
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) specialize in providing primary and preventative care to patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. In Ohio, they can diagnose and treat medical conditions and prescribe medications under the supervision of a physician. FNPs often serve as a primary point of contact for families seeking comprehensive primary healthcare services. The following programs offer multiple pathways to get started in this exciting career.
Case Western Reserve University
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: Between $1,091 and $2,248 per credit
Program Overview:
This FNP program is available for both full-time and part-time students. Full-time students typically complete the program in four semesters over 18 months, and coursework is offered in an online-friendly format to limit the number of trips students have to make to campus. This program requires about 600 clinical hours in all, completed in primary care settings in Northeast Ohio. Students can also specialize in pediatrics, women’s health, or adult care as a blended major, and post-master’s certificates are available.
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 800
Tuition: $680 to $707 per credit
Program Overview:
Cedarville is a Christian school, and the Family Nurse Practitioner program allows students to provide direct patient care across the lifespan “as a ministry for Jesus Christ.” All classes are offered online, with four required on-campus experiences throughout the program. Part-time and full-time options are available.
Franciscan University
- Steubenville, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 46 to 48
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $600 per credit
Program Overview:
The Family Nurse Practitioner program at Franciscan University at Steubenville consists of 46 to 48 credit hours. Faculty and students support Catholic and Christian values and approach nursing as a healing ministry. This program takes approximately six semesters if attending full-time; part-time options are also available, and there are multiple start times throughout the year.
Franklin University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $670 per credit
Program Overview:
Students can finish the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Franklin University in as little as 27 months. Classes are online, and the program boasts a 100% certification exam pass rate. Students can choose their clinical sites, but they must meet specific requirements and be approved by the faculty. Once students reach higher-level courses, they will complete 150 hours of clinical every semester for four semesters, which ends up being one to two days a week on the clinical site.
Miami University
- Oxford, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 630
Tuition: $795 per credit
Program Overview:
The full-time online Family Nurse Practitioner program at Miami University takes 21 months to complete. In addition to online coursework, there are two on-campus workshops. This program prepares students to care for patients of all ages, with a focus on primary care and families. Graduates work in doctor’s offices and other primary care centers, managing acute and chronic conditions and providing preventative care.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Lancaster, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 500
Tuition: $803 per credit
Program Overview:
The FNP program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers starting times in both the spring and fall semesters. This cohort program lasts for 18 months, and students do not take more than two classes at a time to help maintain a good work, school, and life balance. Classes are online, with one- to two-day on-campus immersions that begin in the third semester. Clinicals also begin at that time.
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: Varies
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
Ohio State University offers two tracks for its Family Nurse Practitioner program. The on-campus program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree (in nursing or another field), while the online option is only for students with a BSN. Those in the online program participate in synchronous classes and complete their clinical requirements in facilities in their communities. There are also two on-campus days required during their second clinical course. Those attending the on-campus program can take some core classes online, but all courses with a clinical component meet on campus. Note that clinical placements are all within the state of Ohio.
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $668 per credit for residents, $687 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Ohio University’s Family Nurse Practitioner program consists of 11 courses and can be completed over six semesters for full-time students. Part-time students have up to five years to complete the program, and it has two start dates per year. Classes are all offered online, but students are expected to be on campus for intensives, typically at the beginning, middle, and end of the program.
University of Mount Union
- Alliance, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: Not Available
Tuition: $800 per credit
Program Overview:
The FNP program at the University of Mount Union consists mainly of online, asynchronous classes that allow you to do coursework around your schedule. There are also two on-campus skills intensives where students prepare for practicums and connect with other students and faculty. For students who enroll full-time, the program can be completed in as little as 22 months. Mount Union University also allows students to earn their Emergency Nurse Practitioner certification, either at the same time as the FNP program or independently. This certification will require 17 additional credits.
Otterbein University
- Westerville, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 66
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $650 to $1,300 per credit
Program Overview:
What’s unique about Otterbein University’s FNP program is that students can choose from multiple pathways, each resulting in graduating with a doctorate (DNP). Students can pursue a BSN to MSN in two years and a DNP in one year, a BSN to MSN in two years and a DNP in two years, or a BSN to MSN in two years and a DNP in one year. Courses are online, but students can use on-campus labs to practice procedures, skills, and assessments.
University of Toledo
- Toledo, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 55
Clinical Hours: 630 (plus 120 lab)
Tuition: $840.40 per hr. per credit for residents; $1,323.29 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Toledo offers two options: an MSN or a DNP. All classes are online, but clinicals and required labs are in-person. Full- and part-time options are available, and students will complete 120 lab hours and 630 clinical hours throughout the program.
Ursuline College
- Pepper Pike, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 43
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $1,274 per credit
Program Overview:
The Family Nurse Practitioner program at Ursuline College prepares students to care for patients across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. They offer both full- and part-time options. The full-time program can be completed in eight semesters, while the part-time program can be completed in 11.
Walsh University
- North Canton, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $745 per credit
Program Overview:
Walsh University’s FNP degree program offers start dates in the summer, fall, or spring. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as six semesters, while part-time options can take up to two years. The program offers online classes with three clinical rotations for a total of 750 hours. Students work with a clinical placement coordinator who helps them find clinical sites and preceptors close to home. For students who wish to pursue their nurse practitioner education even further, Walsh University also offers a BSN to DNP.
Wright State University
- Dayton, Ohio
- On-Campus
Modality: On-Campus
Credit Hours: 49
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $680 per credit for residents; $1,145 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The Family Nurse Practitioner concentration at Wright State University includes three core classes and 11 FNP classes. All coursework can be done online, but students are required to come to campus five times throughout the program for hands-on training and a standardized clinical exam. Campus visits are typically at the end of each term.
Xavier University
- Cincinnati, Ohios
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 47
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $704 per credit
Program Overview:
The FNP program at Xavier University consists of 47 credit hours, including 19 core education classes and 28 clinic courses. Online classes make this a flexible program for professionals who intend to continue working throughout their education. Xavier University is a Jesuit Catholic university that emphasizes community engagement and service in its academic programs.
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 46
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $527 per credit for residents; $532 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Youngstown State University offers multiple start dates throughout the year for its Family Nurse Practitioner program. All courses, except for clinicals, are completed online. The program consists of 46 credit hours, with 27 being core nursing courses and 19 being specialty and practicum courses. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as 20 months.
What Types of Careers Can I Pursue with a Nurse Practitioner Degree in Ohio?
Every state has different laws governing the scope of practice for nurse practitioners. Ohio is considered a reduced practice state, which means that NPs can perform some of their duties independently but will need to enter into a collaborative practice agreement with a physician, and the physician must be continuously available to communicate with the NP to ultimately oversee care.
Generally, NPs have a lot of autonomy in their practice and can independently assess patients, order tests, and diagnose conditions. However, Ohio does limit the medications that NPs are allowed to prescribe and to whom they are allowed to prescribe them.
The type of career you can pursue with a nurse practitioner degree in Ohio varies significantly based on the type of degree you have. NPs can work in various settings, from nursing homes to doctor’s offices to hospitals. Each of the types of NP degrees listed above specializes in a different patient population, so you can choose to focus on neonates, pediatrics, adults, or senior citizens. If you’re an FNP, you can work with people of all ages.
If you’re considering pursuing an NP degree, you have many options. Not only are there several career paths you can take, but there are also more than 60 programs to choose from in Ohio. NPs play an important role in patient care, a role that is becoming even more essential as the doctor shortage looms. Working in this profession is an effective way of making a significant impact on people in Ohio.
