Student Guide to Online NP Programs in Ohio
Learn more about the top online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio, degree types, and your job outlook after graduation.
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%.
Due to national nursing shortages caused by the pandemic and subsequent working conditions, nurses are in high demand in nearly every state. As a nurse practitioner, you’ll have a wide range of job opportunities, and make a substantial contribution as a healthcare professional.
The most important step to becoming an advanced nurse is enrolling in the right graduate degree or certificate program. With the availability of remote and hybrid programs, there are more options now than ever. Weighing your time and financial constraints against your professional aspirations and preferences will make it easier to determine which program might work best for you. Below you’ll find an overview of some of the top online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio, key features, degree paths, and more. Keep reading to take the first step toward the rest of your career by finding out which schools made our list.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Public
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Public
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Public
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
Private
Cedarville University
Cedarville, Ohio
Private
Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio
Private
Qualities of a Top Nurse Practitioner Program in Ohio
The right online nurse practitioner program in Ohio for you will depend on factors like your educational preferences and individual needs. That said, there are certain features you should prioritize as you consider your options. These are excellent benchmarks of a program’s quality and legitimacy.
Accreditation
When choosing an NP program, always consider accreditation. Choosing an unaccredited school can limit your professional prospects or prevent you from transferring your credits to another program. If you plan to continue your education beyond the NP degree, make sure that your nursing school is fully accredited by an organization such as The Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA).
Affordable Tuition & Fees
Another key is affordability. You may not have the money to pay for your nurse practitioner degree program, but financial aid, scholarships, and student loans can help with costs. Research and compare tuition rates and fees before applying to nursing school, and find out more about financial aid programs and assistantships at each school.
Certification Exam Pass Rates
Another essential element of an NP program is their graduates’ pass rates on national certification exams. While it is up to each student to prepare for and pass their exams, some programs go above and beyond to provide students with tools and resources to ensure they’re prepared. Check a school or program’s pass rates for a better idea of how much help the program will provide.
Comprehensive Curriculum & Clinical Options
You should also enroll in a program with a comprehensive curriculum. Becoming a nurse practitioner is an extensive process that includes several steps to receive your credentials, including clinical hours that are required and should be included in the curriculum. Some programs offer greater flexibility for completing clinical hours than others. Make sure your program has options that align with your schedule and preferences.
Flexibility in Format & Enrollment
Nursing school can be time-consuming, and most students need to balance work and studies. Flexibility in format and enrollment is essential to help you succeed. Find out if programs allow you to switch from full- to part-time or vice versa, as your schedule demands.
Specialization Options
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 Toledo University’s Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
NP Degree Types: Discover the Academic Path for You
Your path to becoming a nurse practitioner often depends on your education, experiences, finances, and professional goals. Here is an overview of three programs to consider.
MSN
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs help students prepare to take on advanced nursing roles in practice, research, education, and leadership. Over the course of the program, students develop a keen ability 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 become better capable of uncovering and assessing organizational issues while also providing the simplest, most diplomatic solutions. The intended result is someone who can create and supervise highly collaborative teams.
Featured Programs:
Certificate
Nurse practitioner certificate programs are non-degree programs created to enable nurses with master’s degrees to earn their NP certifications. Certificate programs enable students to earn their certification and choose specializations that allow them to practice as nurse practitioners. Students are required to complete a mandatory number of 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.
Featured Programs:
Kent State University: Family Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate
The University of Akron: Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Certificate
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.
Featured Programs:
Ohio NP Career and Salary Potential
After graduating from your nurse practitioner program in Ohio, you'll be ready to begin your job search. It's normal to wonder about the types of job opportunities and potential salaries you might encounter, but there's good news on both fronts, as you can see in the tables below. Ohio nurse practitioners can anticipate a strong job market, with openings projected to grow in the Buckeye State at a rate of 42.6%, which is close to the national average projection of 44.5% over the next ten years. Additionally, nurse practitioners, as highly skilled medical professionals, can expect to earn an excellent living across Ohio. In 2023, the state median wage for an Ohio nurse practitioner was $123,690, although this varies by region, experience level, and specialization. Check out the table below for more details on what you can expect.
| 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.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $101,400 | $123,690 | $152,040 |
| Akron, OH | $101,530 | $122,370 | $137,110 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $96,440 | $118,180 | $148,410 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $100,940 | $126,210 | $147,100 |
| Cleveland-Elyria, OH | $107,420 | $128,210 | $155,220 |
| Columbus, OH | $105,140 | $122,210 | $150,140 |
| Dayton, OH | $101,020 | $125,550 | $149,990 |
| Lima, OH | $90,210 | $112,410 | $139,040 |
| Mansfield, OH | $98,780 | $113,470 | $133,450 |
| Springfield, OH | $98,280 | $110,740 | $137,300 |
| Toledo, OH | $100,130 | $124,400 | $144,250 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman, OH-PA | $46,130 | $108,670 | $139,980 |
Source: Nurse Practitioners, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
