Why Trust EduMed? We partner with 150+ nursing & allied health professionals to bring you the most in-depth data & insights on higher education & careers in healthcare. Meet our team and review our editorial values. Jump To SectionOhio Nurse Practitioner Programs Online: Find the Best Schools
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
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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
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 ↕ | 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.
| 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.
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Why We Selected University of Cincinnati:
- The program offers federal financial aid, enhancing affordability for students.
- Faculty are practicing nurses, providing up-to-date clinical expertise and guidance.
- Graduates consistently achieve high certification exam pass rates above 95%.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$10,099
- Average Institutional Aid$5,373
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course66%
- % of Students Receiving an Award71%
- Student/Faculty Ratio19/1
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Why We Selected Ohio University:
- The program offers a low student-to-teacher ratio, enhancing personalized learning experiences.
- Experienced faculty provide expert guidance in advanced practice skills for primary care settings.
- Clinical practicum experiences occur in diverse primary care settings, enhancing real-world application skills.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$12,840
- Average Institutional Aid$6,714
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course83%
- % of Students Receiving an Award64%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, Ohio
Why We Selected Youngstown State University:
- The program offers a comprehensive online format, enhancing flexibility for working professionals.
- The curriculum includes a supervised clinical practicum with diverse primary care settings, ensuring practical experience.
- Faculty expertise in nursing science and research methods supports students in developing evidence-based practice skills.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$9,196
- Average Institutional Aid$5,355
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course52%
- % of Students Receiving an Award41%
- Student/Faculty Ratio17/1
Walsh University
North Canton, Ohio
Why We Selected Walsh University:
- Students can earn a free Nurse Educator certificate alongside their MSN-FNP degree, enhancing career flexibility.
- Walsh University offers comprehensive clinical placement with three clinical rotations, ensuring hands-on experience for students.
- The program allows for accelerated completion in as few as two years, enabling students to enter the workforce quickly while continuing to work full-time.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$30,205
- Average Institutional Aid$20,657
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course77%
- % of Students Receiving an Award61%
- Student/Faculty Ratio14/1
Cedarville University
Cedarville, Ohio
Why We Selected Cedarville University:
- Cedarville offers limited scholarships of $3,000 to $5,000 for graduate nursing students with financial need.
- The program provides a biblically integrated curriculum, setting it apart with a unique ministry focus.
- Cedarville's MSN FNP program is recognized as the most affordable in Ohio, offering competitive pricing and financial aid.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$33,174
- Average Institutional Aid$17,451
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course37%
- % of Students Receiving an Award75%
- Student/Faculty Ratio15/1
Otterbein University
Westerville, Ohio
Why We Selected Otterbein University:
- The program offers an MSN degree included in the BSN to DNP pathway, enhancing career progression.
- The curriculum features a core online component, providing flexibility for working professionals.
- Advanced clinical skills are developed through specialized courses like advanced health assessment and pharmacology.
Program Details
- AccreditationHLC
- Average In-State Tuition$33,224
- Average Institutional Aid$20,452
- % of Students in ≥1 Online Course24%
- % of Students Receiving an Award65%
- Student/Faculty Ratio12/1
Base Methodology for EduMed’s “Best Online College Rankings” for the ‘24-’25 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 counseling on campus and/or online.
- The existence of career placement services 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.
- Online Programs – Number of online programs, either partially- or fully-online, in the relevant subject area. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system to represent this category with laptop icons.
- % in Online Ed. – Percent of total students taking at least one distance education class.
- Tuition – Average in-state tuition for undergraduate students studying full-time, as self-reported by the school.
- % Receiving Award – Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an award in 6 years.
- Avg. Inst. Aid – Average amount of institutional grant aid awarded to full-time, first-time undergraduates.
- Student/Faculty Ratio – The number of students per faculty member.
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 2024
