Discover Premier ADN Programs Near Cleveland, Ohio
- 2026 Premier ADN Programs Near Cleveland, Ohio
- Five Reasons Cleveland Attracts ADN Candidates
- Curriculum Snapshot: What Two Years Look Like
- Admission Requirements
- Clinical Experience Across Greater Cleveland
- Salary Outlook for New RNs
- Paying for Your Degree
- Balancing Coursework, Work, and Lake Erie Life
- Accreditation and Licensure
- Building a Network Before Graduation
- Employers Ready to Hire ADN Graduates
- Program Comparison Checklist
- Launch Your Cleveland Nursing Career
- Latest Articles & Guides
Cleveland's rise from Great Lakes port to biomedical powerhouse rests on a culture of practical innovation. The same drive that led to the first blood transfusion and early X-ray technology now fuels the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and MetroHealth, three systems that together employ more than 35,000 nurses. For Ohioans seeking to enter this dynamic workforce quickly, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs provide a concentrated two-year route to licensure at community college tuition rates. Students tap into world-class teaching hospitals while paying roughly half the price of a four-year degree, then step into staff RN roles or bridge smoothly into bachelor's completion tracks. The guide that follows outlines curriculum details, admission expectations, cost factors, and career outlook so you can decide whether an ADN near Lake Erie's southern shore is your best first step in nursing.
2026 Premier ADN Programs Near Cleveland, Ohio
Kent State University
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Concentration: LPN to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's LPN to ADN program offers licensed practical nurses a strategic pathway to registered nursing. Specifically tailored for healthcare professionals seeking career advancement, this Associate of Applied Science curriculum emphasizes comprehensive nursing skills and technological integration. Students receive rigorous preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination, with coursework designed to enhance patient care techniques, communication strategies, and leadership capabilities. The program's ACEN accreditation ensures high-quality education meeting Ohio's stringent nursing licensure requirements. With a focus on practical healthcare applications, graduates emerge as competent, versatile nursing professionals ready to excel in diverse medical environments.
- LPN to ADN concentration
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Accredited by ACEN
- Meets Ohio licensure requirements
- Focus on practical healthcare skills
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Concentration: Paramedic to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Paramedic to ADN concentration provides certified paramedics an innovative pathway to registered nursing. This specialized Associate of Applied Science program leverages existing emergency medical expertise, transforming paramedic credentials into comprehensive nursing qualifications. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates advanced patient care techniques, sophisticated communication skills, and leadership development. ACEN-accredited and designed for career progression, the program offers a seamless transition from emergency response to broader nursing practice. Graduates gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills, positioning themselves for expanded healthcare roles with enhanced professional versatility.
- Paramedic to ADN concentration.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Focuses on patient care.
- Enhances communication skills.
- Develops leadership abilities.
- Combines theory and practice.
- For certified paramedics.
- Campus-based program.
- Designed for career advancement.
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing represents a comprehensive two-year program preparing students for successful registered nursing careers. Offered across four regional campuses, this curriculum cultivates critical thinking, advanced clinical skills, and profound patient care commitment. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences addressing healthcare needs across diverse life stages. ACEN-accredited and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, the program ensures high-quality educational standards. By integrating cutting-edge technology with robust nursing coursework, graduates develop competencies enabling rapid workforce integration and meaningful healthcare contributions.
- Two-year program
- Prepares for RN licensure
- Offered at four campuses
- Focuses on critical thinking
- Hands-on patient care
- Accredited by ACEN
- Approved by Ohio Board
- Blend of tech and nursing
- Quick workforce entry
- Cares for all life stages
ETI Technical College
Niles, OH - Private 2-year - eticollege.edu
Associate - Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
ETI Technical College's Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing provides a comprehensive pathway for nursing students in Niles, Ohio. The five-semester program strategically integrates classroom instruction with extensive clinical training across multiple healthcare environments. Students gain expertise in critical nursing domains including medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and obstetrics, with a strong emphasis on preparing for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The program accommodates adult learners through flexible daytime classes and structured clinical experiences. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED, mandatory pre-entrance testing, and a comprehensive background check. Graduates emerge well-equipped for professional nursing roles and potential advanced educational opportunities, with a curriculum designed to develop competent, patient-centered healthcare professionals.
- Five-semester program.
- Daytime classes and clinicals.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
- Hands-on clinical experience.
- Admission three times yearly.
- Requires high school diploma or GED.
- Pre-entrance testing required.
- Background check mandatory.
- Covers diverse nursing fields.
- Includes pharmacology and dosage.
Cuyahoga Community College District
Cleveland, OH - Public 2-Year - tri-c.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cuyahoga Community College District's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring healthcare professionals in Cleveland. This two-year program strategically prepares students for diverse nursing roles through innovative curriculum covering medical, surgical, pediatric, and geriatric care. Students benefit from flexible scheduling with day and evening classes, enabling seamless integration of academic learning and extensive clinical experiences across Northeast Ohio. The program uniquely allows progression from nurse aide to registered nurse, culminating in NCLEX-RN eligibility. With a focus on practical skills and real-world application, graduates are well-positioned to enter the dynamic healthcare workforce with confidence and competence.
- Two-year program.
- Day and evening classes.
- NCLEX-RN eligibility.
- Real-world clinical experiences.
- Flexible admission.
Associate - Nursing LPN to ADN Access Track
Concentration: LPN to RN - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking career advancement, Cuyahoga Community College District's LPN to ADN Access Track offers a strategic hybrid learning model. This innovative program bridges professional nursing knowledge through evening lectures, lab sessions, and comprehensive clinical rotations across Northeast Ohio. Requiring a current, unrestricted LPN license, the four-semester track provides a streamlined pathway to registered nursing certification. Students engage in advanced theoretical and practical training, focusing on expanding clinical competencies and preparing for RN licensure. The flexible format accommodates working professionals, making career progression accessible and structured.
- Hybrid program format.
- Four semesters to complete.
- Evening lectures and labs.
- Clinicals in Northeast Ohio.
- Spring semester start.
- Requires current LPN license.
- Focus on RN licensure preparation.
- Associate of Applied Science degree.
Associate - Nursing Generic Track
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cuyahoga Community College District's Nursing Generic Track delivers a robust Associate of Applied Science degree program designed for comprehensive nursing education. Spanning four semesters with versatile day and modified evening sessions, the curriculum provides intensive preparation for healthcare careers. Students gain extensive clinical exposure through acute care settings throughout Northeast Ohio, ensuring practical skill development. The program meticulously meets Ohio's nursing educational standards, positioning graduates for immediate workforce entry. With multiple campus locations and potential financial aid opportunities, this track offers an accessible, high-quality nursing education emphasizing academic excellence and professional readiness.
- Associate of Applied Science degree
- Four-semester completion
- Day and evening sessions
- Multiple campus locations
- Clinicals in acute care settings
- Meets Ohio educational requirements
- Financial aid available
- Scholarship opportunities
University of Akron
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Akron's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing offers a comprehensive two-year program strategically located in Orrville, Ohio. Designed for aspiring healthcare professionals, this ADN program delivers robust clinical training encompassing anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care fundamentals. Students benefit from hands-on experiences preparing them comprehensively for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The program's admission requires a 2.5 GPA, specific prerequisite courses, and additional certifications like STNA or HESI exam scores. With a flexible pathway to an RN to BSN advancement and a focus on practical medical skills, graduates emerge well-positioned for immediate nursing career opportunities. The program emphasizes medical ethics, comprehensive patient care techniques, and professional development.
- Two-year program
- Located in Orrville, Ohio
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Cost-effective nursing path
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Flexible RN to BSN option
- 2.5 GPA requirement
- Prerequisite courses needed
- STNA or HESI required
- Focus on patient care
Lorain County Community College
Elyria, OH - Public 4-Year - lorainccc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lorain County Community College's Associate Degree in Nursing provides comprehensive training for future registered nurses, strategically preparing students to excel in diverse healthcare environments. The rigorous campus-based program emphasizes critical skills in patient care, disease diagnosis, and professional healthcare practices. Students develop essential competencies through hands-on learning, focusing on patient advocacy and health education. Graduates become eligible to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, positioning them for rewarding careers in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The program seeks compassionate, detail-oriented individuals committed to delivering high-quality patient care and understanding complex medical protocols.
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Hands-on patient care training
- Diverse healthcare career opportunities
- Compassionate, responsible candidates preferred
- Contact Enrollment Services for admission
- Emphasizes patient advocacy
- Focus on health education
- Work under health professionals
- Associate of Applied Science awarded
Associate - Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Designed specifically for Licensed Practical Nurses seeking career advancement, Lorain County Community College's LPN to RN program offers a streamlined pathway to registered nursing credentials. The comprehensive curriculum integrates advanced coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and nursing concepts, preparing students for expanded healthcare responsibilities. Admission requires an active LPN license, prerequisite course completion, and successful performance on the ATI TEAS entrance exam. Students benefit from practical experience and theoretical instruction, ensuring they're well-equipped to meet sophisticated healthcare industry demands. The program ultimately prepares graduates to successfully challenge the NCLEX-RN examination and transition into broader nursing roles.
- Campus-based program
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Advanced placement for LPNs
- Focus on nursing process
- Includes pharmacology courses
- Requires LPN license
- Prerequisite courses needed
- ATI TEAS exam required
- Emphasis on patient care
- Practical experience included
Kent State University at Ashtabula
Ashtabula, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University at Ashtabula's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing provides comprehensive training for aspiring registered nurses. This robust program blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing critical thinking and modern healthcare technologies. Students develop strong communication abilities and evidence-based practice techniques, preparing them for diverse clinical environments. The curriculum offers flexible pathways for LPNs and paramedics seeking career advancement. Graduates are well-positioned to successfully complete the NCLEX-RN examination and enter professional nursing roles across hospitals, clinics, and home health settings.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Over 50 years excellence.
- Focus on critical thinking.
- Leadership and patient care.
- Technology and evidence-based practice.
- Options for LPNs, paramedics.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Ohio Board of Nursing approved.
- Campus-based program.
- Emphasizes communication skills.
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Concentration: LPN to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Specifically designed for licensed practical nurses, Kent State University at Ashtabula's LPN to ADN concentration offers a strategic pathway to registered nursing credentials. This targeted program accelerates professional development by leveraging existing healthcare experience. Students engage in advanced coursework that builds upon their practical knowledge, focusing on leadership, complex patient care strategies, and contemporary healthcare technologies. The curriculum ensures comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN exam while providing financial support options. Graduates gain expanded clinical competencies and enhanced career opportunities in diverse medical environments.
- LPN to ADN concentration
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- Accredited program
- Focus on modern healthcare
- Financial aid available
- Strong reputation
- Leadership skills development
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Concentration: Paramedic to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University at Ashtabula's Paramedic to ADN concentration transforms certified emergency medical professionals into comprehensive registered nurses. This specialized program capitalizes on paramedics' foundational medical skills, expanding their clinical expertise through advanced nursing curriculum. Students learn sophisticated patient care techniques, leadership principles, and technology-enhanced healthcare practices. The program ensures rigorous preparation for the NCLEX-RN examination while maintaining a strong focus on safe, effective care delivery. With accreditation from ACEN and Ohio Board of Nursing approval, graduates are exceptionally positioned for dynamic nursing career trajectories.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Approved by Ohio Board.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- For certified paramedics.
- Focus on leadership.
- Emphasizes patient care.
- Technology in healthcare.
- Financial aid available.
- Scholarships for eligible.
- Critical thinking focus.
Kent State University at Geauga
Burton, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Associate - Nursing ADN Program
Concentration: LPN to ADN, Paramedic to ADN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University at Geauga's ADN Program offers specialized pathways for licensed practical nurses and paramedics seeking registered nursing credentials. The campus-based curriculum meticulously prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam through comprehensive theoretical instruction and immersive clinical experiences. With concentrations in LPN to ADN and Paramedic to ADN, students benefit from a targeted approach to nursing education. Accredited by ACEN, the program emphasizes safe, patient-centered care and professional development. Prospective students must complete an informational session, ensuring they understand the program's rigorous standards and career advancement opportunities in Ohio's dynamic healthcare landscape.
- Accredited by ACEN.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- LPN to ADN concentration.
- Paramedic to ADN concentration.
- Campus-based program.
- Hands-on learning experiences.
- Focuses on safe nursing care.
- Requires information session completion.
- Ideal for career advancement.
- Ohio Board of Nursing approved.
Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Private 2-year - fortis.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fortis College's Associate Degree in Nursing program in Cuyahoga Falls delivers a dynamic educational experience through an innovative hybrid learning model. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical training that prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam while balancing online coursework and on-campus instruction. The program specifically caters to Licensed Practical Nurses seeking career advancement, offering potential academic credit for prior healthcare experience. With a focus on practical skills and professional development, this ADN program equips students with the knowledge needed to excel in diverse healthcare environments, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for entry-level registered nursing positions.
- Hybrid program format
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
- LPN/LVN advancement path
- Financial aid available
- Combines online and campus learning
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, OH - Public 4-Year - rhodesstate.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
James A. Rhodes State College offers a comprehensive Associate Degree in Nursing program designed to launch aspiring nurses into successful healthcare careers. Students engage in an intensive five-semester curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical training through state-of-the-art simulation labs. With faculty possessing over 200 years of combined nursing experience, the program ensures students receive high-quality education aligned with current healthcare standards. The program's ACEN accreditation and Ohio Board of Nursing approval guarantee rigorous academic preparation. Graduates are well-positioned to take the NCLEX-RN and enter direct patient care roles, with opportunities for scholarship support like the Choose Ohio First grant enhancing accessibility for qualified students.
- Five-semester program.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
- Hands-on clinical experiences.
- State-of-the-art simulation labs.
- Faculty with 200+ years experience.
- Approved by Ohio Board of Nursing.
- ACEN accredited.
- Scholarships available.
- Max 108 students per semester.
- Master’s and Doctorate level faculty.
Five Reasons Cleveland Attracts ADN Candidates
- Dense clinical network. More than forty facilities, including Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, MetroHealth's Level I trauma center, and University Hospitals' Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, host student rotations every semester.
- Affordable cost of living. Housing remains twenty percent below the national average, and community college tuition hovers near six thousand dollars a year for residents.
- Academic pathways. Hospitals partner with Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs to create scholarship-plus-employment pipelines and tuition discounts for seamless RN-to-BSN progression.
- Research and simulation labs. The Health Education Campus of Case Western Reserve University shares state-of-the-art simulation suites with local colleges, giving ADN learners high-fidelity practice before patient care.
- Cleveland’s diverse patient population, combined with its rich cultural mix, prepares graduates for community outreach, global health missions, and future advanced-practice specialties.
Research other nursing programs in Cleveland, OH.
Curriculum Snapshot: What Two Years Look Like
Most Northeast Ohio colleges follow a four-semester plan that blends classroom theory, skills labs, and 600 to 750 supervised clinical hours:
| Curriculum Area | Sample Courses and Experiences |
| Foundational Sciences | Anatomy & Physiology I-II, Microbiology, Pharmacology |
| Core Nursing Concepts | Health Assessment, Adult Medical-Surgical I-II, Pathophysiology |
| Family Health | Maternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, with rotations at Rainbow Babies |
| Mental Health | Psychiatric Nursing in inpatient and community settings |
| Community and Gerontology | Population Health, Aging Processes, service projects with MetroHealth Mobile Clinic |
| Senior Capstone Practicum | 120-plus-hour preceptorship in a self-selected specialty unit at the Cleveland Clinic |
Students start clinical observations as early as week six, gradually moving from supervised skills to independent patient assignments by the fourth semester. Many bring prior healthcare experience; those holding an LPN license can explore advanced-standing options through LPN to RN pathways that shorten the total time in school.
Admission Requirements
Colleges vary, yet applicants generally must provide:
- Proof of high-school graduation or college-level coursework
- Minimum cumulative GPA of around 2.75; some programs calculate a separate science GPA
- Completed prerequisites in biology, chemistry, algebra, and English composition
- Minimum score on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or HESI A2; preparation resources appear in the TEAS study guide
- Clear background check, current immunization record, and American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification
Waiting list programs weigh points for GPA, entrance exam scores, and local residency. Competitive applicants often enhance their ranking by completing non-nursing support courses, such as psychology, sociology, and nutrition, before applying.
Clinical Experience Across Greater Cleveland
Cuyahoga Community College, Lorain County Community College, and Lakeland Community College maintain long-standing contracts with flagship hospitals. A semester-by-semester rotation sequence might include:
- Adult Medical-Surgical Nursing at Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Maternal Health in University Hospitals' Level III neonatal intensive-care unit
- Pediatric Nursing on the hematology-oncology floor at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital
- Community Health is delivering flu shots through MetroHealth mobile wellness vans.
- Leadership Practicum managing two or three patients under an RN preceptor’s supervision.
Salary Outlook for New RNs
Cleveland’s wages outpace those of many Midwestern metros, aligning with Ohio's favorable cost of living. The table below summarizes average earnings for registered nurses in the metro area.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary* |
| Entry (0–1 year) | $59,200 |
| Mid-Career (2–4 years) | $72,800 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $85,600 |
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment Statistics
Readers comparing hospital versus outpatient pay can find expanded data, including shift differentials, inside the RN Salary report.
Paying for Your Degree
Annual tuition at Cleveland-area community colleges ranges from $6,000 to $8,000 for in-district students, yet few learners pay the sticker price. Typical funding blends:
- Pell Grants and subsidized Stafford Loans
- Ohio Nurse Education Assistance Loan Program awards are forgiven after five years of in-state service
- Hospital tuition-reimbursement contracts tied to two-year employment pledges
- Scholarships for individuals committed to medically underserved neighborhoods
- Work-study roles in campus simulation labs that offset living expenses
Balancing Coursework, Work, and Lake Erie Life
Intensive sixteen-week terms can feel relentless, yet graduates credit three habits for success:
- Frontload study time immediately after lecture to cement concepts.
- Leverage public transit and RTA trains to convert commute minutes into flash-card drills.
- Protect wellness breaks by walking Edgewater Park's shoreline or cycling the Towpath Trail, keeping cortisol low and focus high.
Accreditation and Licensure
Programs must be approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures eligibility to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination, which is explained in depth within the NCLEX preparation hub. Students planning to pursue future bachelor's or master's degrees also benefit; accredited credits articulate smoothly into university bridge programs, such as the RN to BSN program.
Building a Network Before Graduation
Cleveland's chapter of the Ohio Nurses Association hosts monthly evidence-based practice seminars, and hospital nurse residency programs pair students with seasoned mentors. Membership in Sigma Theta Tau's Delta Xi chapter, open to high-achieving associate degree students, adds leadership workshops and research-poster opportunities that strengthen résumés.
Employers Ready to Hire ADN Graduates
- Cleveland Clinic community hospitals and outpatient surgery centers
- MetroHealth System Level I trauma and burn services
- University Hospital’s main campus plus six regional medical centers
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center serving veterans across northern Ohio
- The Centers for Families and Children provide primary care in community clinics
Check out our RN Jobs page for more information on careers.
Program Comparison Checklist
Creating a simple spreadsheet with these columns helps applicants weigh options quickly:
- Program length and start-date flexibility
- Total tuition and mandatory fees
- ACEN accreditation status
- First-time NCLEX pass rate
- Average cohort size and student-to-faculty ratio
- Percent of clinical hours in Magnet-recognized hospitals
- Availability of evening or weekend cohorts
- Scholarship and service-payback opportunities
Launch Your Cleveland Nursing Career
Prospective students ready to move forward can explore entrance timelines and prerequisite sequences for ADN programs and compare statewide offerings through Nursing Programs in Ohio. With world-renowned hospitals, affordable tuition, and a supportive professional community, Cleveland provides an ideal springboard into nursing practice and lifelong career growth.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Registered Nurses.” May 2024.
- Ohio Board of Nursing. "2024 NCLEX Pass Rates."
- Cleveland Clinic. "Professional Practice Model and Magnet Journey." 2025.
Latest Articles & Guides
One of the keys to success as a registered nurse is embracing lifelong learning. Our articles and guides address hot topics and current events in nursing, from education to career mobility and beyond. No matter where you are on your nursing journey, there’s an article to help you build your knowledge base.
Browse our latest articles, curated specifically for modern nurses.
