Discover Premier ADN Programs Near Cleveland, Ohio
- 2027 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.
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
The LPN to ADN concentration at Kent State University is designed for licensed practical nurses who want to advance to registered nurse roles. This campus-based program at East Liverpool builds on your LPN foundation with a curriculum focused on nursing care in hospitals, clinics, communities, and home health. You will develop skills in patient safety, communication, leadership, and evidence-based practice. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for RN licensure. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. With three concentrations available, you can choose the path that fits your background. This completer program offers a clear route to becoming a registered nurse while continuing your education.
- 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
Kent State University's Paramedic to ADN concentration offers certified paramedics a streamlined path to become a registered nurse. This completer program builds on your existing emergency medical skills, focusing on nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The curriculum covers patient-centered care, communication, leadership, evidence-based practice, and technology. Graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. The program is ACEN accredited and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. With a campus-based format at Kent State East Liverpool, you'll gain hands-on clinical experience alongside paramedic-track peers. Application deadline for Spring 2027 is Sept. 30, 2026.
- 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) program that prepares students for NCLEX-RN licensure and registered nursing careers. The curriculum blends classroom instruction with lab skills and clinical experiences in medical-surgical nursing, complex care, behavioral health, pediatrics, obstetrics, geriatrics, pharmacology, and nursing leadership. Students gain practical training at local hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare agencies. The 80-week program, divided into five semesters, features daytime classes. Graduates may pursue RN to BSN articulation. An advanced standing option is available for LPNs. Admission requires HESI pre-entrance exam passage and criminal background checks.
- 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 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) program offers a seamless pathway from nurse aide to registered nurse. Over two years, you'll build essential clinical skills through hands-on experience at Northeast Ohio healthcare agencies, caring for patients across medical, surgical, pediatric, obstetric, and geriatric settings. The curriculum blends nursing concepts with real-world practice, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Choose from day, evening, or weekend classes at four campus locations. The program features two entry tracks based on your prior education and admits new students each fall and spring on a first-come, first-served basis. After your first year, you'll earn a practical nursing certificate and qualify for the NCLEX-PN. With support from clinical partnerships and dedicated faculty, you'll develop the adaptability and expertise needed to excel in this fast-growing field.
- 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
Cuyahoga Community College's LPN to ADN Access Track offers licensed practical nurses a pathway to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and become a registered nurse. Designed for working professionals, this hybrid program features evening lectures and labs at the Metropolitan Campus, with clinical rotations at various acute care facilities across Northeast Ohio. The curriculum builds on your LPN foundation, covering advanced nursing concepts, patient care, and critical thinking. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and roles in hospitals and healthcare settings. The program starts each spring and can be completed in four semesters, providing a flexible schedule for those balancing work and studies. A current, unrestricted LPN license is required for admission.
- 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
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) at the University of Akron is a two-year program offered at the Wayne College Campus in Orrville, Ohio. It provides a fast track to becoming a registered nurse. The curriculum covers anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, and medical ethics, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN and enter the workforce quickly. The program includes a unique partnership with Akron Children's Career Launch, offering prepaid tuition for selected students. It also provides a foundation for further study in a BSN program. Ideal for those passionate about healthcare and seeking a cost-effective, career-focused education.
- 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 Ashtabula's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program prepares students to become registered nurses in just two years. The curriculum stresses safe, patient-centered care, effective communication, leadership, and technology skills. Students learn through a campus-based program with three entry pathways: traditional, LPN, and paramedic tracks. Graduates are eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam and can work in hospitals, clinics, communities, and home health settings. Offered for over 50 years, the program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Students benefit from experienced faculty, information sessions, and financial aid options. With a focus on evidence-based practice and quality improvement, this program develops confident, compassionate nurses ready for leadership roles. Spring 2027 admissions are now open.
- 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
The LPN to ADN concentration at Kent State Ashtabula is a completer program for licensed practical nurses seeking RN licensure. This campus-based curriculum, accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing, prepares you for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level nursing roles. You'll develop skills in patient-centered care, communication, leadership, and technology across hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. With over 50 years of nursing education excellence, the program offers a streamlined path to becoming a registered nurse with options to advance via the RN to BSN program. Apply for Spring 2027 admission.
- 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 Ashtabula is a fast-paced completer program for certified paramedics seeking an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. This campus-based pathway builds on your emergency medical expertise, focusing on registered nurse skills such as patient-centered care, leadership, and technology integration. Graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam and careers in hospitals, clinics, and community health. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, interprofessional communication, and ethical decision-making. With over 50 years of nursing education expertise, this program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. You'll learn from experienced faculty and benefit from small class sizes. The program offers spring admission and a clear path to becoming a registered nurse.
- 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 (ADN) at Lorain County Community College prepares you to become a registered nurse. You'll learn to provide direct patient care, assess symptoms, and assist in treatment and rehabilitation. The curriculum emphasizes patient advocacy, health education, and disease prevention. You'll work alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. After completing the program, you earn an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and must pass the NCLEX for RN licensure. This traditional campus-based program focuses on developing compassion, responsibility, and teamwork. You'll gain skills in delegation, supervision, and patient communication. Prepare for a rewarding career caring for patients and promoting wellness in your community.
- 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
This LPN to RN advanced placement program at Lorain County Community College allows licensed practical nurses to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and become registered nurses. The curriculum covers nursing concepts, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and behavioral health nursing. Students develop skills in patient-centered care, evidence-based practice, and interprofessional teamwork. Graduates are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other health care settings. The program offers credit for prior nursing coursework, articulation agreements with four-year universities, and Credit for Prior Learning options. Admission requires completion of prerequisites, a 2.5 GPA, and a proficient score on the ATI TEAS exam. The program features a capstone course and multiple start dates each year.
- 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
The Associate Degree in Nursing at Rhodes State College prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and careers as registered nurses. The curriculum combines intense nursing coursework with hands-on practice using high-fidelity simulators. Students gain real-world experience through clinical components and a capstone preceptorship, guided by faculty with over 200 years of combined expertise. Graduates enter a field with 15% projected job growth. The program is ACEN-accredited and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Admission occurs each fall and spring, with a maximum of 108 students per cohort. Choose Ohio First scholarships are available for eligible STEMM students.
- 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
The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at Fortis College in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, blends hands-on campus learning with online flexibility. Students develop clinical skills and academic knowledge to become entry-level registered nurses. The curriculum covers patient care, medical-surgical nursing, and healthcare ethics. Graduates are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and pursue careers in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Fortis offers an LPN-to-RN bridge track, granting credit for prior practical nursing education. The program emphasizes lifelong learning and adaptability to meet society's evolving healthcare needs. Career services help students transition into employment after graduation. This hybrid format allows students to benefit from in-person instruction while enjoying online convenience.
- 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 a Nursing ADN program with specialized tracks for licensed practical nurses (LPN to ADN) and certified paramedics (Paramedic to ADN). These completer programs build on your existing healthcare experience, allowing you to advance to registered nurse (RN) status. The curriculum covers patient-centered care, effective communication, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing you to work in hospitals, clinics, and home health settings. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for RN licensure. The program is accredited by ACEN and approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. With start terms in fall and spring, you can begin your journey at Kent State Geauga's campus. Emphasizing technology and quality improvement, the program equips you with skills to provide safe, compassionate care in diverse healthcare 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.
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