An adult gerontology nurse practitioner (AGNP) focuses on the needs of adults from later adulthood until the end of life, with a special focus on how aging changes the body and what that means for treatment and quality of life.
Ohio is a state that has a rapidly aging population, so the demand for experienced care providers for the elderly continues to increase in demand. From hospitals to nursing homes, there are a myriad of different employment opportunities for AGNP’s.
How to choose an AGNP program in Ohio
Ohio AGNP applicants first pick between AGPCNP (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care) for outpatient, ambulatory, and long-term-care settings, and AGACNP (Adult-Gerontology Acute Care) for hospital-based ICU and specialty services. The two require separate national certifications and separate scope of practice, so locking in the track before choosing a school matters more than most applicants realize.
Broad-specialty schools (Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Kent State, University of Akron) offer both tracks; smaller programs typically specialize in one. Public in-state tuition at the flagships beats private alternatives (Case Western, Xavier) on cost, though private programs often carry smaller cohorts and named-faculty mentorship. Under Ohio’s Standard Care Arrangement rule, AGNPs practice with physician supervision — full practice authority is not available.
Ohio AGNP Programs: Key Facts for 2026
- 10+ CCNE-accredited Adult-Gerontology NP (AGPCNP/AGACNP) 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.
- AGPCNP vs. AGACNP — Primary Care tracks manage adults and older adults in outpatient/long-term-care settings; Acute Care tracks manage critically and acutely ill adults in ICU and specialty services. Separate certifications, separate scope of practice.
- Broad specialty picks — Ohio State, University of Cincinnati, Kent State, and University of Akron offer both AGPCNP and AGACNP tracks; smaller programs typically specialize in one.
Multiple AGNP programs in Ohio are available, focusing on acute or primary care. Ohio is a Reduced Practice state, so AGNPs must establish a Standard Care Arrangement with a collaborating physician. For other NP specialties in the state, see our guides to PMHNP programs, NNP programs, and PNP programs in Ohio. The 11 AGNP programs in Ohio are listed below:
Case Western Reserve
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 39/41
Clinical Hours: 700
Tuition: Between $1,091 and $2,248 per credit hour
Program Overview:
Case Western offers both AG-ACNP and AG-PCNP tracks through the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. The Acute Care track is 39 credits with 700+ clinical hours, drawing rotations from Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth. Both tracks sit inside a top-50 nursing school with research-embedded curriculum. A fit for Cleveland-area RNs prioritizing ranking prestige and high-acuity academic-medical-center placements; price is the trade-off versus the public flagships.
Cedarville University
- Cedarville, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 800
Tuition: $680 to $707 per credit
Program Overview:
Cedarville’s AG-ACNP concentration prepares students for acute, complex, or critical-care settings across the adult-through-geriatric span. The Christian-affiliated framework and smaller cohort distinguish it from Ohio’s public flagships. A fit for faith-aligned applicants who know they want Acute Care (Cedarville doesn’t offer AG-PCNP); secular applicants comparing cost should weigh Ohio State or University of Cincinnati’s in-state public rates.
Franklin University
- Columbus, Ohio
- Online
Modality: Online
Credit Hours: 41
Clinical Hours: 600
Tuition: $670 per credit
Program Overview:
Franklin’s online AG-PCNP prepares students for primary care across the adult-to-older-adult span. The fully asynchronous delivery and private-college pricing make it a fit for working RNs across Ohio who need maximum scheduling flexibility without the premium of a flagship research university. Clinical placements are arranged in the student’s home region.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
- Lancaster, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 48
Clinical Hours: 650
Tuition: $850 per credit
Program Overview:
Mount Carmel’s AG-ACNP program trains practitioners for adults with chronic, complex, and critical care needs. Clinical rotations pull from the Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus. It’s a fit for Central Ohio RNs who want Catholic-affiliated graduate study at a focused nursing-only institution; secular applicants in Columbus should compare Ohio State’s flagship public option.
Ohio State University
- Columbus, Ohio
- On-campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: 650
Tuition: $972.50 per credit
Program Overview:
Ohio State’s College of Nursing offers both AG-PCNP and AG-ACNP tracks with clinical access to the Wexner Medical Center and affiliated Central Ohio partners. Multiple entry paths (traditional MSN, BSN-to-DNP, post-master’s APRN certificate) let students enter at the right credential level. It’s the default flagship pick for Columbus-area RNs; ranking, clinical breadth, and in-state tuition all work in its favor.
Ohio University
- Athens, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 40
Clinical Hours: 750
Tuition: $668 per credit for residents, $687 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Ohio University’s AGNP program leans online with Athens-area residency requirements and a lower tuition point than the urban flagships. It’s a fit for Southeast Ohio and Appalachian-region RNs whose clinical networks cluster around OU-affiliated health systems; applicants in Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati have closer public options.
University of Akron
- Akron, Ohio
- On-campus
Modality: On-campus
Credit Hours: 30, plus 14 nursing core credits
Clinical Hours: not available
Tuition: $462.50 per credit for Ohio residents; $782.50 per credit for non-residents
Program Overview:
Akron’s AG-PCNP and AG-ACNP tracks through the School of Nursing use a cohort model with public in-state tuition. The program prepares graduates for either primary or acute-care adult-gerontology practice with Northeast Ohio clinical partners. A fit for Akron/Canton-corridor RNs who want a mid-size public university option with specialty flexibility; Kent State offers a broader NP specialty mix at similar tuition.
University of Cincinnati
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Varies
Modality: Varies
Credit Hours: Varies
Clinical Hours: not available
Tuition: Varies
Program Overview:
UC’s AG-ACNP and AG-PCNP tracks run through the College of Nursing with clinical access to UC Health and Cincinnati Children’s. The R1 research university setting plus in-state public tuition makes it the strongest-value AGNP flagship for Cincinnati-area applicants. Broader specialty options (including FNP, WHNP, Nurse-Midwifery) make UC a natural fit if you’re still weighing specialty.
The Adult Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is a doctorate-level program that prepares students to care for adolescents, adults, and elderly patients with short-term illnesses, chronic illnesses, or terminal diseases. Students get hands-on experience throughout the program. Tuition varies from $8,359 per semester for residents to $8,609 per semester for metro residents. Students must reside in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana while in the program.
The Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner program is a post-master’s program. It is 12 to 18 credits and can be completed in two years. The cost varies depending on residency status. Residents of Ohio pay $836 per credit, residents of Kentucky or Indiana pay $861 per credit, and residents of other states pay $1,423 per credit. Graduates of this program earn a DNP and can work for physician groups, private practices, long-term care, and more.
The Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner online program takes three years to complete and is around 150 credits. Full-time residents pay $8,359 per semester, and the cost is $8,509 per semester for non-residents. Students earn a doctorate when graduating and can work in several settings providing preventative, chronic, and acute care, emphasizing evaluation, education, diagnosis, and treatment.
Ursuline College
- Pepper Pike, Ohio
- Online/On-campus
Modality: Online/On-campus
Credit Hours: 39
Clinical Hours: Not available
Tuition: $1,274 per credit
Program Overview:
Ursuline’s AGNP runs as a Catholic-affiliated program from its Pepper Pike campus (Cleveland metro). A fit for Cleveland-area RNs wanting values-aligned graduate study with smaller cohorts than the publics; secular applicants comparing tuition should look at Cleveland State or Kent State first.
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, Ohio
- Online/On-Campus
Modality: Online/On-Campus
Credit Hours: 45
Clinical Hours: 540
Tuition: $527 per credit for residents; $532 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Youngstown State’s AGNP is a regional public option at a lower price point than the flagship publics. Its Northeast Ohio clinical networks matter most for RNs tied to the Youngstown/Warren corridor and western Pennsylvania border. Applicants in Cleveland or Akron have closer flagship options at Kent State, Akron, or Case Western.
Ohio AGNP Program Comparison Table
The following table compares all 11 AGNP 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 | 39/41 | 700 | $1,091–$2,248/cr |
| Cedarville University | Online | 45 | 800 | $680–$707/cr |
| Franklin University | Online | 41 | 600 | $670/cr |
| Mount Carmel College | Online/On-Campus | 48 | 650 | $850/cr |
| Ohio State University | On-Campus/Hybrid | 40–80 | 650 | $972.50/cr |
| Ohio University | Online/On-Campus | 40 | 750 | $668–$687/cr |
| University of Akron | On-Campus/Hybrid | 44 | 500+ | $462–$782/cr |
| University of Cincinnati | Hybrid | 45–80 | 500+ | $764–$1,300/cr |
| Ursuline College | Online/On-Campus | 39 | 500+ | $905/cr |
| Youngstown State | Online/On-Campus | 45 | 540 | $558–$703/cr |
AGNP 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. AGNPs working in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and specialty clinics often earn at or above these averages due to the growing demand for geriatric care as Ohio’s population ages.
AGNP Licensure Requirements in Ohio
Ohio is a “Reduced Practice” state for nurse practitioners. To practice as an AGNP in Ohio, you must hold an active RN license, complete an accredited AGNP program (either acute or primary care), and pass the corresponding ANCC or AACN certification exam. AGNPs 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 1,000 hours of NP practice, AGNPs may apply for independent prescriptive authority for non-controlled substances. Graduates of AGNP programs in Ohio should also consider pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for expanded career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many AGNP programs are in Ohio?
Ohio has 10 accredited AGNP programs in Ohio spanning both acute care (AGACNP) and primary care (AGPCNP) tracks at universities including Case Western Reserve, Ohio State, Ohio University, and more.
What is the average AGNP salary in Ohio?
According to the BLS (May 2024), nurse practitioners in Ohio earn an average salary of $121,250 per year and a median of $126,740. The national median is $129,210.
Can I complete an AGNP program online in Ohio?
Yes. Several AGNP programs in Ohio offer fully online or hybrid formats, including Cedarville University, Franklin University, and Ohio University. All programs require in-person clinical hours.
What is the difference between AGACNP and AGPCNP?
AGACNP (Acute Care) prepares nurse practitioners for hospital and critical care settings, while AGPCNP (Primary Care) focuses on outpatient and community health settings for adult and geriatric patients. Several Ohio programs offer both tracks.
How long does it take to complete an AGNP program in Ohio?
Most full-time AGNP programs in Ohio take two to three years to complete. Part-time options are available at many programs and may extend the timeline. Credit requirements range from 39 to 51 hours depending on the institution.