Best Online Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs in Ohio

Nurses located in cities like Cleveland or Cincinnati actually have a lot of opportunities to seek nursing graduate programs and leverage them into successful nurse practitioner careers. This career path is perfect for those who want to specialize in an exciting practice area such as cardiology or midwifery. Nurse practitioners also have some of the highest-paying salaries in the medical field and can even provide a lot of the same services as physicians. In the sections below, we’ll go over how you can access these types of programs in Ohio and everything else you’ll need to know to enter this field. Jump to program listings.

2025 - Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Ohio

RegisteredNursing.org's 2025 Best Online Nurse Practitioner Programs in Ohio highlights the top programs available in the state for aspiring nurse practitioners. The rankings consider key factors such as completion rates, affordability, institutional reputation, program diversity, and faculty expertise. For a detailed look at how the rankings are determined, please visit the methodology page.

1.

Ohio University

Athens, OH

Ohio University offers highly reputable nurse practitioner programs that are focused on providing advanced nursing education to prepare students for leadership roles in healthcare. The program philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, incorporating evidence-based practices and promoting health equity. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and clinical experiences in diverse settings, ensuring a well-rounded education.

MSN Programs

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Post-Graduate FNP Certificate Online/Hybrid
• Post-Graduate Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Certificate Online/Hybrid
• Post-Graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate Online/Hybrid

2.

The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH

The Ohio State University offers comprehensive nurse practitioner programs that prepare students to deliver advanced and specialized care. With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration, the programs aim to develop highly skilled and compassionate nurse practitioners who can meet the diverse healthcare needs of individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum integrates theory, research, and clinical experiences to foster critical thinking, leadership, and lifelong learning.

DNP Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner* Online/Hybrid
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

3.

Kent State University

Kent, OH

Kent State University offers top-notch nurse practitioner programs that prepare students to become advanced practice nurses in various specialties. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, the programs emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural competence. Students have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinical experiences in diverse healthcare settings, ensuring a well-rounded education.

Graduate Certificate Programs

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Graduate Certificate Online/Hybrid
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

MSN Programs

• Family Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Online/Hybrid

Fast & Affordable Nurse Practitioner Programs

Ohio is a great place to look for nurse practitioner degree programs if you’re looking for fast and cheap options. This state has some of the lowest-cost tuition in the country and if you decide to utilize summer courses or online learning, you can significantly cut the amount of time you’re required to be enrolled, especially if you already have a nursing degree such as a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN). Below are a few options for you to consider.

What Are the Fastest Online NP Programs?

Nurses can choose between a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, though the MSN route is typically the faster option, taking an average of 2 years to complete compared to 4+ years for the DNP. Some MSN programs, however, can be completed even more quickly, utilizing summer sessions and flexible online programming that can allow students to move through their studies at a faster pace.

What Are the Most Affordable Online NP Programs?

Finding a nursing program that fits your financial needs can be difficult, but there are ways to narrow down your options until you find the perfect program that won’t completely drain your bank account. Nurse practitioner programs in Ohio are especially affordable and if you have established residency in the state, you can look forward to additional savings. Below are a few of the most affordable options in the state. You’ll notice that they are all MSN programs. This is because there is a shorter enrollment period (less enrollment time means less paid class time). Keep in mind that there may be additional costs.

Schools Offering Popular Nurse Practitioner Specialties

If there’s a particular area of medical practice that interested you (such as midwifery or neurology), you’ll find that most nurse practitioner programs offer the ability to enroll in specialized ciriculums that allow you to get certified upon graduation. These types of specializations are available at the master’s and doctoral levels. Here are a few examples located in Ohio:

Find out more about popular NP specialty programs: Acute Care (ACNP), Adult Gerontology (AGNP), Family (FNP), Pediatric (PNP), Psychiatric (PHMNP), Women’s Health (WHNP).

Educational Routes for Nurse Practitioners – Online & Campus

Beyond the traditional MSN and DNP programs that most nursing students go with, there are also a good deal of alternative programs that allow you to graduate faster and for less money. These programs are available based on what type of degree you already have as well as your previous nursing experience.

MSN Nurse Practitioner Programs

As mentioned, most future nurse practitioners usually go for a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program. This is because MSN programs are usually the fastest and cheapest option for most people who don’t meet the enrollment requirements of the options below. Examples of MSNs in Ohio include:

• Cleveland State University – Cleveland, OH
• University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH

RN to NP Programs

An RN to NP program is an umbrella term that typically refers to an ADN to MSN, in which RNs who hold an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) complete accelerated BSN and MSN-level nurse practitioner coursework. Examples in Ohio include:

• Mercy College – Toledo, OH
• Ursuline College – Pepper Pike, OH

DNP Nurse Practioner Programs

If you’re looking to invest more time into your education in order to seek higher-paying and more advanced career opportunities, you’ll likely want to look at Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Here are a few you can find in Ohio:

• Ohio University – Athens County, OH
• Ohio State University – Columbus, OH

Post-Master's Certificate NP Programs

Post-Master's Nursing Certificates are designed for MSN-educated nurses wanting to enter or switch to a new NP specialty. While not a degree in and of itself, it's a shorter and often more affordable way for eligible nurses to gain NP training, typically completed in a year or less. Examples in the state include:

• University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
• Ohio University – Athens County, OH

Accelerated, Direct & Master’s Entry (MENP/MEPN) to Nursing Practice

Master's Entry to Nursing Practice (MENP) programs, also called direct-entry or accelerated MSN programs, are designed so that bachelor’s level graduates can achieve an MSN-level education even if they don’t have a nursing degree. Here are a few you can find in Ohio:

• University of Cincinnati – Cincinnati, OH
• Ohio State University – Columbus, OH

General Admissions Requirements

If you’re ready to start applying to nurse practitioner programs, you’ll need some culmination of the following:

• BSN from an accredited school
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Minimum grade point average (often 3.0 or above, but varies by school/program)
• Active, unencumbered RN license
• Essay or statement of purpose outlining career goals
• Letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
• Resume or CV

Ohio NP License and Certification Requirements

Aspiring NPs in Ohio must submit a variety of documents to the Ohio Board of Nursing, including their RN license details, academic transcripts, and proof of clinical experience. The application process involves completing the Ohio Board of Nursing’s application form and paying an associated fee, typically around $150. Additional information about how to apply for NP licensure in Ohio can be found on the Ohio Board of Nursing’s website, where step-by-step instructions are provided.

To practice in Ohio, nurse practitioners must also obtain certification in their specialized area of practice. Certification can be achieved through national organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Candidates must have a valid RN license and have completed a graduate-level NP program in the relevant specialty area to qualify for certification. Certification exams are usually required to demonstrate expertise in the chosen field.

While Ohio nurse practitioners do not have full practice authority, they can practice with a Standard Care Arrangement (SCA), which involves collaborating with a physician for certain aspects of patient care, such as prescribing medication. The level of collaboration varies, and SCAs must be in place according to state law. More details and resources are available through the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses (OAAPN), a key organization that provides support, advocacy, and professional development for NPs in Ohio.

List of NP Programs in Ohio