Ohio Nurse Practitioner Programs Online: Find the Best Schools
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Program Profiles: Types of NP Programs in Ohio
Becoming a nurse practitioner in Ohio can be an excellent career move. According to Ohio employment trends, the projected growth for nurse practitioners in Ohio between 2020 and 2030 is higher than average at 49%.
Getting a degree that boosts your career doesn’t mean putting your life on hold. With online and hybrid nursing programs, there are more options now than ever. Your path to becoming a nurse practitioner will depend on your education, experiences, financial aid, and professional goals.
There are three main types of online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio: Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice. We’ve outlined the details of program below, including how long they take, cost, and what they can help you achieve.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs prepare students for advanced nursing roles in practice, research, education, and leadership. Students learn to serve as leaders and change agents in healthcare and healthcare-adjacent facilities. This degree also prepares graduates to become exemplary leaders in the areas of communication, collaboration, and scholarship. With the help of honed critical thinking skills, students can uncover and assess organizational issues while also providing the simplest, most diplomatic solutions.
Ohio University
- Duration: Five to six semesters
- Mode: Partially online
- Cost: $688/credit
Post-Master’s Certificate
Nurse practitioner certificate programs are non-degree programs designed for nurses with master’s degrees seeking NP certifications. Certificate programs allow students to earn their certification and choose specializations that equip them to practice as nurse practitioners. Students are required to complete mandatory clinical hours, determined on a case-by-case basis before they are eligible to receive their certification. Students can either complete clinical hours before enrolling, or under the supervision of an instructor during the program.
Cleveland State University
- Duration: 15 months
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $618.25/credit (in-state); $619.25/credit (out-of-state)
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A Doctor of Nursing Practice program provides students with a post-master’s degree, also known as a terminal degree. A DNP prepares students to take roles in healthcare leadership and advanced clinical practice. This degree is similar to a PhD in nursing, but unlike a nursing PhD, it enables graduates to apply their knowledge to practice in the field rather than to research. Upon completion of a DNP program, students can assume positions in clinical education, high-level leadership, and healthcare policy.
Kent State University
- Duration: Two years
- Mode: Fully online
- Cost: $20,200
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FAQs About Online NP Programs in Ohio
How much do online NP programs in Ohio cost?
Cost depends on the program and school you choose. While online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio are generally more affordable than on-campus programs, the cost still varies from school to school. Public universities are usually the most affordable option. Consider the length of the program as well. Post-graduate certificate programs take fewer hours, so they cost less than a full master’s or doctorate program. Broadly speaking, expect to spend $600-700 per credit at state schools and more at private universities.
How long does an online NP program in Ohio take?
It varies by program, the level of degree you get, and whether you can commit to full- or part-time study. Post-master’s certificate programs take the least time; students can usually complete their certificate in about a year. An MSN is the next shortest program, taking about two to three years to earn your degree. Expect four years of study to complete a DNP program.
Can you go from RN to NP online in OH?
Absolutely. Several online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio that make it convenient to get your MSN-NP or DNP while working full time. No matter your level of education, you can go from RN to NP online in Ohio. There are online ADN programs which will help you get your initial RN licensure, as well as bachelor’s in nursing programs online to get your four-year degree. From there, you can become an NP with online MSN or DNP programs.
Are online NP programs in Ohio accredited, and why does accreditation matter?
Yes, many online NP programs in Ohio are accredited. There are two widely recognized accrediting bodies for nurse practitioner programs: the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). When choosing an NP program, you should always consider accreditation. Programs accredited by the ACEN or CCNE meet nationwide standards for nursing education and practice, and choosing an unaccredited school can limit your professional prospects or prevent you from transferring your credits to another program.
Can I specialize in a particular NP track (e.g., FNP, AGNP, PMHNP) through an online program in Ohio?
Yes, and specialization is a wise choice for your education and future career prospects. Specialized programs allow you to gain a focused education in an area of interest. You’ll want to learn about your specialization options and make sure you are applying for programs that align with your nursing and employment goals. For instance, if you prefer working with older adults, you should seek a specialization like the University of Toledo’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Licensing and Certification for Ohio Nurse Practitioners
To become a nurse practitioner in Ohio, the first step is to become a registered nurse and pass the NCLEX-RN. If you’re already an RN, but you didn’t get a BSN, you’ll need to get one before applying for advanced degree programs. Becoming an NP requires a master’s degree or DNP with a major in a nursing specialty, so you should apply and enroll in one approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Once you’ve completed your online NP program in Ohio and any required clinical hours, you’ll need to take and pass the APRN national certification examination. Depending on your specialty, you will choose from five different certification boards to sit for their certification exam:
- The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB)
- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification Program
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AANC) Certification Corporation
- The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)
- National Certification Corporation (NCC)
Once you’ve passed, have your school send transcripts to the Ohio Board of Nursing. Your national certification should also be emailed directly to the Board. You’ll also need to fill out the application and pay a $150 licensing fee.
Salary & Career Outlook for Nurse Practitioners in Ohio
| Area ↕ | 10th Percentile ↕ | Median ↕ | 90th Percentile ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $97,960 | $129,210 | $169,950 |
| Ohio | $98,380 | $126,740 | $154,280 |
| Akron, OH | $41,110 | $122,820 | $140,140 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $100,430 | $124,510 | $150,470 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $76,280 | $130,100 | $157,090 |
| Cleveland, OH | $98,620 | $128,300 | $154,280 |
| Columbus, OH | $79,040 | $127,020 | $156,000 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $22,010 | $125,680 | $150,510 |
| Lima, OH | $99,640 | $120,760 | $137,720 |
| Mansfield, OH | $98,040 | $119,880 | $135,300 |
| Sandusky, OH | $74,410 | $124,600 | $143,130 |
| Springfield, OH | $104,240 | $123,720 | $137,290 |
| Toledo, OH | $101,410 | $124,190 | $151,340 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $47,990 | $116,280 | $149,120 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area ↕ | Curr. Jobs ↕ | Proj. Jobs ↕ | New Jobs ↕ | Growth % ↕ | Avg. Ann. Openings ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 266,300 | 384,900 | 118,600 | 44.50% | 26,300 |
| Ohio | 11,020 | 15,710 | 4,690 | 42.60% | 1,060 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Ranking the Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Ohio
When you know which schools rank highest for the best online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio, you can choose the right one for you with confidence. We’ve ranked the schools offering online NP programs in OH, awarding points based on availability of online programs, percentage of students in online education, tuition costs, and more. If you’d like to read more about our full ranking methodology, check out the full criteria in the “About the Rankings” section.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Otterbein University
- The Nurse Practitioner program offers hybrid learning with a blend of online and face-to-face classes, including on-campus labs for advanced assessment skills.
- Students arrange 600 clinical hours precepted by nurse practitioners or physicians in their own communities, facilitating practical, locally relevant experience.
- The program provides flexible degree pathways allowing students to earn an MSN and begin practicing before completing the DNP, with the option to return within five years to finish the doctorate.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 69% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Malone University
- Malone University’s Nurse Practitioner program uses a sequential cohort model with small, consistent class groups, promoting strong peer and faculty connections throughout the program.
- The program offers a hybrid learning format combining online coursework with in-depth clinical experiences, accommodating working nurses and providing practical, hands-on training in diverse settings.
- Students benefit from internship and practicum hours that meet certification requirements, ensuring readiness for national certification exams and facilitating smooth clinical placement.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 59% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 12/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ohio University
- Ohio University's Nurse Practitioner program offers a low teacher-to-student ratio with faculty who are practicing nurses holding Masters or Doctorate degrees, ensuring personalized and expert instruction.
- The program includes two start dates per year and a primarily online format with short on-campus intensives, providing flexibility for working professionals.
- Graduates benefit from a high certification pass rate on the first attempt and clinical practicums with 750 direct care hours, preparing students thoroughly for real-world practice.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 68% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Xavier University
- Xavier’s Nurse Practitioner program is nationally recognized as one of only 17 schools endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses Certification Corporation, reflecting a distinctive holistic nursing focus.
- The program offers a fully online format with a flexible, synchronously paced schedule allowing students to progress through structured coursework together without mandatory live sessions.
- Faculty actively engage with students through instructional support and create community-building activities, enhancing personalized learning and peer interaction in the online environment.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 75% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 11/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Walsh University
- Walsh University’s Nurse Practitioner program offers three annual start dates, providing flexibility for working nurses to begin when ready.
- The program includes dedicated clinical placement services that assist students in securing suitable clinical sites and preceptors locally.
- Students benefit from two required on-site intensives, offering vital hands-on skills training alongside mostly online coursework.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 67% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 13/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati
- The University of Cincinnati Nurse Practitioner program offers flexible mostly online coursework combined with essential on-campus labs, ensuring expert proficiency through hands-on training.
- Students can complete their MSN Nurse Practitioner degree in as little as two years, providing an accelerated path to advanced practice.
- The program includes multiple specialty tracks fully online, such as Adult-Gerontology Primary Care, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Women’s Health, with clinical experiences completed locally to accommodate diverse student needs.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 73% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 19/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Akron
- The University of Akron's Nurse Practitioner program offers multiple specialized advanced practice tracks including Adult Gerontology, Child and Adolescent Health, and Psychiatric Mental Health, allowing tailored career focus.
- Applicants benefit from a clear admissions process with no admission test required for candidates with a BSN GPA of 3.0 or higher, simplifying entry for qualified students.
- The program requires relevant RN experience for clinical tracks, ensuring students have practical background before advanced study, which enhances readiness and clinical placement quality.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 49% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 16/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Youngstown State University
- Youngstown State University's Nurse Practitioner program features a fully online format with a supervised clinical practicum of 600 hours across diverse primary care settings, ensuring extensive hands-on experience and flexibility for students.
- The program leverages strong local clinical partnerships in the Mahoning Valley, offering students access to a variety of healthcare environments including community health centers and hospital-affiliated clinics, which support robust professional networking and often lead to job opportunities.
- Graduates of the program are eligible to take national certification exams and receive prescriptive authority recognition through the Ohio Board of Nursing, enhancing their qualification and readiness for advanced practice roles immediately after completion.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected University of Toledo
- The University of Toledo's Nurse Practitioner program offers extensive clinical practice with local healthcare partners, ensuring diverse, high-quality practicum experiences for skill development.
- Students benefit from flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and a graduate certificate track designed to accommodate working professionals and accelerate completion.
- The program emphasizes faculty expertise and leadership development, providing education from experienced faculty who prepare students for certification and advanced roles in healthcare leadership.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 55% Graduation Rate
- Public School Type
- 18/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Why We Selected Ursuline College
- Ursuline’s Nurse Practitioner program offers flexible course delivery formats—online, in-person, or hybrid—allowing students to tailor learning to their schedules and preferences.
- The program is nationally recognized, with the Breen School of Nursing designated a NLN Center of Excellence and ranked #34 nationally by U.S. News & World Report for graduate nursing programs.
- Students benefit from a values-based education emphasizing advanced clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice to prepare confident nurse leaders transforming community health.
Program Details
- HLC Accreditation
- 47% Graduation Rate
- Private School Type
- 7/1 Student/Faculty Ratio
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘25-’26 school year.
One: Create a list of eligible schools & programs
To be eligible for ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on data pulled from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), which was self-reported by the schools themselves:
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- At least one online component in a program within the ranking-subject area.
- The existence of academic and career counseling on campus and/or online.
Two: Assign weightings to eligible schools & programs
After creating the list of eligible schools, EduMed data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of metrics, which were all self-reported by the school themselves to the U.S. Department of Education and IPEDS.
The metrics are listed below in order of most- to least-heavily weighted*.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area.
- Avg. Aid Amount – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Students w/ Aid – Percent of full-time, first-time students undergraduates awarded institutional aid.
- Online Enrollment – Percent of undergraduate students taking at least one distance education class.
- Graduation Rate – Percent of full-time, first-time receiving an award in 6 years.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
*Metrics #2-5 and #6-7 were equally weighted.
About Our Data
EduMed’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2025
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