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.
2027 Premier ADN Programs Near Cleveland, Ohio
Kent State University
Kent, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (LPN to ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University’s LPN to ADN concentration at East Liverpool offers licensed practical nurses a direct route to registered nursing. The campus-based completer program builds on existing clinical knowledge with coursework emphasizing patient safety, communication, leadership, and evidence-based practice across hospital, clinic, community, and home health settings. Students benefit from a curriculum aligned with the Ohio Board of Nursing and ACEN accreditation standards, with access to three concentration options under one application. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue RN licensure. Application deadline is September 30, 2026, for the Spring 2027 term, making it a timely pathway for career advancement.
- ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Apply by 2026-09-30
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Completer program for licensed practical nurses
- Eligible for NCLEX-RN licensure exam
- Campus-based at East Liverpool
- Prepare for registered nurse profession
- Focus on community, hospital, clinic care
- One application for three concentrations
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Paramedic to ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Certified paramedics seeking registered nurse licensure can advance efficiently through Kent State University’s Paramedic to ADN concentration at East Liverpool. This campus-based completer program capitalizes on existing emergency medical expertise, focusing on patient-centered care, communication, leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare technology across hospital and community settings. The program offers three tracks—traditional, LPN, and paramedic—allowing tailored progression, with paramedic students sharing clinical experiences alongside peers from other tracks. The program holds ACEN accreditation and Ohio Board of Nursing approval, ensuring educational quality. Graduates become eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Applications for Spring 2027 close September 30, 2026, offering a structured transition from prehospital to bedside nursing.
- ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Apply by 2026-09-30
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- NCLEX-RN exam preparation
- Traditional, LPN, and Paramedic tracks
- Completer program for certified paramedics
- Clinical experiences in hospitals and communities
- Professional licensure disclosure provided
- Student achievement data available
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 of Niles offers an Associate Degree of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN-RN) designed to prepare students for NCLEX-RN licensure and careers as registered nurses. The curriculum integrates classroom theory, lab skills, and clinical practice across medical-surgical nursing, complex care, behavioral health, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, pharmacology, and nursing leadership. Students complete 390 clinical hours at local hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare agencies. This 80-week program spans five semesters with daytime classes and offers three start dates annually. Graduates can pursue RN-to-BSN articulation. LPNs may enter through an advanced standing option. Admission requires passing the HESI entrance exam and a criminal background check. Financial aid is available.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI
- 80-Week program
- Complete in 75 weeks plus finals; total length 80 weeks
- 3 start dates per year
- Starts winter/spring/fall
- 390 clinical hours
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- LPN advanced standing option
Cuyahoga Community College District
Cleveland, OH - Public 4-Year - tri-c.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cuyahoga Community College’s two-year ADN program takes students from nurse aide to registered nurse through rotations in medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric settings at Northeast Ohio agencies. Blending theory with clinical practice, the curriculum readies graduates for the NCLEX-RN. Classes are offered days, evenings, and weekends at four campuses: Eastern, Metropolitan, Western, and Westshore. Two entry tracks based on prior education provide flexibility, with fall and spring starts on a first-come, first-served basis. After year one, students earn a practical nursing certificate and qualify for the NCLEX-PN. Rolling admissions, prerequisite courses, and dedicated faculty support a smooth pathway into nursing.
- 2-Year program
- Complete in two-year nursing program
- Rolling admissions
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Prerequisite courses required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Pathway from STNA to LPN to RN
- Clinical experiences at Northeast Ohio agencies
- Day, evening, and weekend classes
Associate - Nursing LPN to ADN Access Track (LPN to RN)
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
This hybrid LPN-to-ADN track at Cuyahoga Community College is designed for licensed practical nurses seeking registered nurse status. Evening lectures and labs take place at the Metropolitan Campus, while clinical rotations occur at acute care facilities throughout Northeast Ohio. The four-semester curriculum advances your LPN foundation with complex nursing concepts, patient care strategies, and critical-thinking skills. A spring start and modified evening/weekend schedule accommodate working professionals. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN and pursue hospital roles. Applicants must hold a current, unrestricted LPN license for admission. With a blended format and focused coursework, this track offers a practical route from LPN to RN.
- 4-Semester program
- Starts spring
- Evening lectures and labs
- Clinicals at acute care settings
- Modified Evening/Weekend program
- Spring semester start
- Current LPN license required
University of Akron
Akron, OH - Public 4-Year - uakron.edu
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Akron's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program at Wayne College Campus in Orrville, Ohio, offering a fast track to RN licensure. Curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, and medical ethics, blending classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experiences. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and immediate practice. A partnership with Akron Children's Career Launch provides prepaid tuition for selected students, and the program serves as a stepping stone to a BSN. Applicants must pass an entrance exam (HESI, ACT, or SAT). With fall and spring starts, this cost-effective, career-focused pathway is ideal for future nurses.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: HESI, ACT, SAT
- 2-Year program
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Cost-effective path to RN
- Akron Children's Career Launch partnership
- Pathway to BSN degree
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Curriculum covers anatomy and pharmacology
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 offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) that prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level registered nursing practice. The campus-based curriculum emphasizes safe, patient-centered care, interprofessional communication, leadership, and technology skills, with content grounded in evidence-based practice and quality improvement. Students may enter through traditional, LPN, or paramedic tracks, making the program flexible for diverse backgrounds. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, the program has educated nurses for more than 50 years. Financial aid and scholarships are available, and information sessions help prospective students. Spring 2027 admissions are currently open for this established pathway to hospital, clinic, community, and home health careers.
- Ohio Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 3 concentration options
- 2-Year program
- Prepares for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Over 50 years of nursing education
- Spring 2027 application open
- Information sessions available
- Director Amy Sustar, DNP, RN, CNE
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (LPN to ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Licensed practical nurses seeking to advance to registered nurse status can enroll in the LPN to ADN concentration at Kent State University at Ashtabula. This ACEN-accredited, Ohio Board of Nursing-approved completer program offers a streamlined route to the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and eligibility for the NCLEX-RN. The campus-based curriculum builds on existing practical nursing knowledge, developing advanced competencies in patient-centered care, communication, leadership, and healthcare technology. Graduates are prepared for roles in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings, with a clear articulation path to the university's RN to BSN program. With more than 50 years of nursing education experience, the program provides financial aid, scholarships, and information sessions. Spring 2027 admission is open for LPNs ready to become registered nurses.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Completer program for LPNs
- Over 50 years of nursing education
- Articulation to RN to BSN program
- Information sessions available
Associate - Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Paramedic to ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Paramedic to ADN concentration at Kent State University at Ashtabula is a fast-paced completer program designed for certified paramedics transitioning to registered nursing. This campus-based pathway leverages existing emergency medical expertise while introducing core nursing concepts such as patient-centered care, leadership, and technology integration. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional communication, and ethical decision-making, preparing students to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings. Accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, the program has over 50 years of nursing education history. Students benefit from experienced faculty, small class sizes, financial aid, and scholarships. Spring 2027 admission offers a direct route to becoming an RN.
- Ohio Board of Nursing, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Scholarships available
- Over 50 years of nursing education
- Completer program for certified paramedics
- Spring 2027 admission available
- Information sessions offered
- Student achievement data available
Lorain County Community College
Elyria, OH - Public 4-Year - lorainccc.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Associate Degree in Nursing at Lorain County Community College equips students for registered nurse licensure through a campus-based curriculum. Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, emphasizing direct patient care, symptom assessment, treatment assistance, and rehabilitation. Coursework integrates patient advocacy, health education, and disease prevention alongside collaboration with physicians in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. Students develop skills in delegation, supervision, and patient communication, preparing for diverse healthcare roles. Successful completion enables eligibility for the NCLEX-RN exam. This program fosters compassion, responsibility, and teamwork to promote community wellness and prepare nurses for rewarding careers in patient-centered care.
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Careers in hospitals and clinics
- Associate of Applied Science degree
- Patient advocacy and health education
- Work under physicians and specialists
Associate - Licensed Practical Nurse to Registered Nurse (LPN to RN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lorain County Community College's LPN to RN advanced placement pathway allows licensed practical nurses to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree and RN licensure. The curriculum includes nursing concepts, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and behavioral health nursing, emphasizing patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional collaboration. Admission requires prerequisites, a 2.5 GPA, and a proficient ATI TEAS score. Students benefit from credit for prior nursing coursework, articulation agreements with four-year universities, and Credit for Prior Learning options. A capstone course and multiple annual start dates enhance flexibility. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and careers in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.
- Entrance exam required
- Exams: TEAS
- 56 total credit hours
- Starts fall/spring
- 2.5 GPA minimum
- Prerequisite courses required
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX
- Credit for prior nursing coursework
- Articulation agreements with colleges and universities
James A. Rhodes State College
Lima, OH - Public 4-Year - rhodesstate.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Rhodes State College offers an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) that equips students for NCLEX-RN success and registered nursing careers. The curriculum integrates rigorous nursing theory with practical training in high-fidelity simulation labs, complemented by clinical rotations and a capstone preceptorship. With over 200 years of combined faculty expertise, students receive mentorship from experienced educators. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, ensuring quality education. Graduates benefit from a projected 15% job growth in the field. Admission opens for fall and spring semesters, limiting cohorts to 108 students for personalized attention. Additionally, eligible STEMM students can apply for Choose Ohio First scholarships to support their education.
- ACEN, Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- 2-Year program
- 2 start dates per year
- Starts fall/spring
- Capstone required
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Scholarships available
- High-fidelity simulators used
- Faculty with 200+ years experience
- Preceptorship capstone experience
Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls
Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Private 2-year - fortis.edu
Associate - Associate Degree in Nursing
Campus Based - Visit Website
Fortis College in Cuyahoga Falls delivers an Associate Degree in Nursing through a hybrid format, combining online coursework with hands-on campus labs. This ADN pathway prepares students for registered nurse licensure, covering medical-surgical nursing, patient care fundamentals, and ethical practice. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. The college supports career entry via job placement assistance and maintains institutional accreditation from ABHES, ACCSC, and ACICS. Licensed practical nurses can leverage prior training through the LPN-to-RN bridge, which awards academic credit. Additionally, a partnership with Denver College of Nursing offers a seamless RN-to-BSN progression. With flexible scheduling and financial aid options, this program suits working adults seeking an accessible route into nursing.
- Prepares for NCLEX-RN
- Financial aid available
- Hybrid program with on campus and online courses
- Entry path for licensed practical nurses
- Career services for graduates
- Institutionally accredited by ABHES, ACCSC, ACICS
- Partnership with Denver College of Nursing for RN to BSN
- LPNs may receive academic credit
Kent State University at Geauga
Burton, OH - Public 4-Year - kent.edu
Associate - Nursing ADN Program (LPN to ADN, Paramedic to ADN)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Kent State University at Geauga offers an ADN program with specialized tracks for LPNs and paramedics aiming to become registered nurses. The LPN-to-ADN and Paramedic-to-ADN completer pathways build on existing healthcare experience, accelerating degree completion. Coursework covers patient-centered care, communication, leadership, evidence-based practice, and healthcare technology. Clinical training prepares graduates for hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Classes are held on the Geauga campus with fall and spring start dates. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. The curriculum emphasizes quality improvement and safety, equipping nurses to deliver compassionate care in diverse environments.
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), Ohio Board of Nursing accredited
- 3 concentration options
- Starts fall/spring
- Prepares for National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
- LPN to ADN and Paramedic to ADN pathways
- Campus-based program at Kent State Geauga
- Teaches patient-centered care and communication
- Leadership and technology skills emphasized
- Fall and Spring start terms available
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.
