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.

2025 Premier ADN Programs Near Cleveland, Ohio

Looking for the best ADN programs near Cleveland, Ohio in 2025? Look no further. RegisteredNursing.org has done the homework for you, ranking the premier Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs in the area. These programs stand out for their quality education, strong pass rates, and excellent student support, making them top choices for aspiring nurses. Whether you're starting your nursing journey or advancing your career, these programs offer the foundation you need. Discover which schools made the list and why they're considered the best. For more details on how these rankings were determined, check out the rankings methodology.

#1

Kent State University at Kent

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 at Kent's LPN to ADN program is tailored for licensed practical nurses seeking to elevate their careers to registered nursing. This ACEN-accredited program not only prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam but also emphasizes the integration of technology in healthcare, leadership, and effective communication. Designed to meet Ohio's licensure requirements, it offers a pathway for LPNs to gain the necessary skills for diverse healthcare environments, ensuring a smooth transition into higher nursing roles.

  • 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

The Paramedic to ADN program at Kent State University at Kent is a specialized pathway for certified paramedics aiming to transition into registered nursing. Accredited by ACEN, this program equips students with the knowledge and skills for the NCLEX-RN exam, focusing on patient care, leadership, and communication. It's an ideal choice for paramedics looking to expand their career opportunities in nursing, combining theoretical learning with practical application in various healthcare settings.

  • 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 at Kent offers a comprehensive Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program designed to fast-track students into the nursing profession. This two-year, ACEN-accredited program is available at four regional campuses, focusing on critical thinking, clinical skills, and patient care across all life stages. With approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing, it blends technology and nursing coursework, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce as competent, compassionate registered nurses.

  • 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
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu

Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Akron Main Campus offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program that is a prime choice for aspiring nurses in the Cleveland area. This two-year, campus-based program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care, alongside practical clinical experiences to ensure readiness for the NCLEX-RN exam. With a focus on affordability and quality education, it serves as a stepping stone for students aiming to enter the nursing field swiftly. Admission criteria include a minimum 2.5 GPA, completion of prerequisite courses, and certifications such as STNA or HESI exam scores. The program also supports further education through its RN to BSN pathway, making it a versatile option for nursing students.

  • 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
#3

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 in Niles, OH, provides an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing, a five-semester program tailored for those aiming to become registered nurses. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical clinical experiences in medical-surgical nursing, pediatrics, and obstetrics, among others, to ensure readiness for the NCLEX-RN exam. Designed with adult learners in mind, the program offers daytime classes and clinical rotations, facilitating a balance between education and personal commitments. Admission prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED, completion of pre-entrance testing, and a background check. This program not only prepares graduates for RN licensure but also lays a foundation for advancing their nursing education.

  • 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.
#4

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 in Cleveland, OH, presents an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing, ideal for those seeking a foundational nursing career. This program uniquely integrates academic coursework with extensive clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings across Northeast Ohio. It's structured to transition students from nurse aides to registered nurses, ready for the NCLEX-RN. The curriculum spans critical areas including medical-surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric nursing. Offering both day and evening classes, it caters to varying schedules. Admissions operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with intakes in Fall and Spring, making it accessible for aspiring nurses.

  • 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

For LPNs aspiring to advance their careers, Cuyahoga Community College District offers a specialized LPN to ADN Access Track. This hybrid program combines evening theoretical sessions at the Eastern Campus with practical clinical experiences throughout Northeast Ohio, designed for completion in four semesters starting in spring. Applicants must hold an active, unrestricted LPN license. The program is meticulously crafted to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for RN licensure, emphasizing both practical competencies and theoretical understanding in nursing.

  • 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

The Nursing Generic Track at Cuyahoga Community College District provides a comprehensive pathway to an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing. Spanning four semesters, it offers flexibility with day and modified evening sessions across several campuses. Students gain hands-on experience in acute care settings across Northeast Ohio, aligning with Ohio's educational standards for nursing. This program not only prepares graduates for immediate entry into the nursing profession but also supports them with potential financial aid and scholarship opportunities, ensuring a broad range of students can pursue their nursing ambitions.

  • 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
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#5

Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Private 2-year - fortis.edu

Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program that blends online and on-campus education, catering to students seeking flexibility. This program is tailored for aspiring RNs, offering a pathway for LPNs/LVNs to enhance their qualifications with possible credit for previous education. Emphasizing practical skills for diverse healthcare environments, it readies graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam. The hybrid model ensures a comprehensive learning experience, supported by financial aid options for eligible students, making nursing education more accessible.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • LPN/LVN advancement path
  • Financial aid available
  • Combines online and campus learning
#6

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 Nursing ADN Program stands out for its specialized LPN to ADN and Paramedic to ADN concentrations, designed to fast-track the careers of licensed practical nurses and paramedics into registered nursing. Accredited by ACEN, the program emphasizes a blend of classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences to prepare students thoroughly for the NCLEX-RN exam. With a focus on delivering safe and effective nursing care, the curriculum is tailored for those looking to advance in Ohio's healthcare sector. Prospective students must attend an information session as part of the admission process, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the program's expectations and outcomes.

  • 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.
#7

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 (ADN) is a campus-based program tailored for future registered nurses. It equips students with essential skills in patient care, disease diagnosis, and treatment, under the guidance of healthcare professionals. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, emphasizing hands-on experience, patient advocacy, and health education. This program is perfect for those who are compassionate and detail-oriented, offering pathways to various healthcare settings. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for aspiring nurses ready to embark on a rewarding career in healthcare.

  • 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

The LPN to RN Associate of Applied Science program at Lorain County Community College is designed for licensed practical nurses aiming to become registered nurses. This program focuses on advancing nursing skills in health promotion, patient care, and the nursing process, with coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam, with an emphasis on both practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Admission prerequisites include an LPN license, completion of specific courses with a C or better, and a proficient score on the ATI TEAS exam. This program is ideal for LPNs seeking career advancement in diverse healthcare environments.

  • 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
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#8

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 program stands out for its comprehensive approach to nursing education, blending over five decades of excellence with modern healthcare demands. The program is meticulously designed to foster critical thinking, leadership, and patient care skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the NCLEX-RN and diverse healthcare environments. Its curriculum integrates technology and evidence-based practice, catering to aspiring nurses and those seeking advancement, including LPNs and paramedics. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, it’s a solid choice for those aiming for licensure and professional growth in Ohio.

  • 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

Tailored for licensed practical nurses, the LPN to ADN concentration at Kent State University at Ashtabula accelerates the transition to registered nursing. This program emphasizes critical thinking and leadership, preparing students for the NCLEX-RN with a curriculum that addresses contemporary healthcare challenges. Accredited and recognized for its quality, it offers financial aid options, making advanced nursing education accessible. It’s an ideal pathway for LPNs looking to expand their scope of practice and take on more significant roles in patient care settings.

  • 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

The Paramedic to ADN concentration at Kent State University at Ashtabula is designed for certified paramedics aspiring to become registered nurses. This program focuses on enhancing critical thinking, patient care, and leadership skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. With ACEN accreditation and Ohio Board of Nursing approval, it ensures a high-quality education that incorporates the latest in healthcare technology and practices. Financial aid and scholarships are available, supporting paramedics in advancing their careers into nursing with a solid foundation in safe, effective patient care.

  • 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.
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#9

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 an Associate Degree in Nursing designed to equip students with the essential skills for a successful nursing career. This comprehensive five-semester program blends academic rigor with practical clinical training, aimed at preparing graduates to excel in the NCLEX-RN and deliver exceptional patient care. Distinguished by its faculty's extensive experience and advanced simulation labs, the program ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of modern healthcare. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, it also provides financial aid opportunities like the Choose Ohio First grant, making it an attractive option for aspiring nurses.

  • 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.
*Federal data source: IPEDS 2023, administered by NCES.

Five Reasons Cleveland Attracts ADN Candidates

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 AreaSample Courses and Experiences
Foundational SciencesAnatomy & Physiology I-II, Microbiology, Pharmacology
Core Nursing ConceptsHealth Assessment, Adult Medical-Surgical I-II, Pathophysiology
Family HealthMaternity Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, with rotations at Rainbow Babies
Mental HealthPsychiatric Nursing in inpatient and community settings
Community and GerontologyPopulation Health, Aging Processes, service projects with MetroHealth Mobile Clinic
Senior Capstone Practicum120-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 LevelAverage 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:

  1. Frontload study time immediately after lecture to cement concepts.
  2. Leverage public transit and RTA trains to convert commute minutes into flash-card drills.
  3. 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

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Registered Nurses.” May 2024.
  2. Ohio Board of Nursing. "2024 NCLEX Pass Rates."
  3. Cleveland Clinic. "Professional Practice Model and Magnet Journey." 2025.

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