Cleveland State University Online NP Programs
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“In Cleveland in particular, we have a very nice pool of hospitals and opportunities for family nurse practitioners to complete their clinical practice. This is especially true for psych, which is in high demand.”
Tonya R. Runner, DNP, MBA, Director of Graduate Programs, Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University (CSU) offers nursing professionals an online master of science in nursing (MSN) degree with two specializations and a graduate certificate program in these same specializations. The two specializations are family nurse practitioner (FNP) and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP).
CSU designs its degree programs to prepare students to treat patients across the human lifespan. The MSN-FNP degree prepares students for a practice focused on providing primary care. FNPs may work in several settings, including community-based clinics, private and group practices. The MSN-PMHNP program trains students to become advanced practice registered nurses who will offer care in a variety of mental healthcare provider settings.
Nursing program graduates can expect to be in high demand in the 2020s and beyond. Nurse practitioners are and will continue to be in high demand due in part to the decrease in family practice doctors across the country. As family practice doctors retire, nurse practitioners will often step up to fill the gaps these doctors leave behind.
Throughout their studies, CSU MSN and graduate certificate students complete both online coursework and clinical placements designed to prepare them for advanced practice roles. Key learning outcomes include:
- Integrating scientific findings from numerous disciplines to continually improve care for all patients
- Applying ethical decision-making practices to promote high-quality nursing education and patient care
- Using varied technologies, methods, tools, performance measures, and standards to enhance care and nursing education
- Developing and following advocacy strategies to positively impact the provision of care at the system level
- Acting as a member and leader of inter-professional teams to manage and coordinate care and nursing education
- Applying appropriate concepts in the planning, delivery, oversight, and improvement of evidence-based care and services to individuals, families, and populations
Cleveland State University’s MSN programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
| Cleveland State University Online NP Programs | |
|---|---|
| MSN - Family Nurse Practitioner | Visit Site |
| MSN - Psychiatric-Mental Health NP | Visit Site |
For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 140 NP schools in our database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
Meet the Expert: Tonya R. Runner, DNP, MBA
Dr. Tonya Renee Runner is a board-certified nurse practitioner with specialized expertise in nephrology, focusing on chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, and is the director of graduate programs at Cleveland State University. She also serves as a faculty member and teaches courses such as APRN pharmacology and the DNP capstone while mentoring students on scholarly projects.
Armed with degrees in nursing, sociology, and executive management, including her DNP from Ashland University, Dr. Runner is an active member of professional organizations like the American Nephrology Nurses Association. Additionally, her community service includes volunteering with the National Kidney Foundation and Lorain County Free Clinic, reflecting her commitment to improving patient care and addressing kidney health in underserved communities.
NPSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio?
Dr. Runner: The online nurse practitioner programs in Ohio follow the practice guidelines set by the state of Ohio. Nurse practitioners in Ohio do not have full practice authority, but as time has gone on, they have been loosening up that requirement.
In Cleveland in particular, we have a very nice pool of hospitals and opportunities for family nurse practitioners to complete their clinical practice. This is especially true for psych, which is in high demand. In larger areas like Columbus and Akron, there is a significant need for more psychiatric nurse practitioners. We talk a lot about the rural areas needing more providers, but the urban areas also need more primary care providers.
There are many opportunities for aspiring nurse practitioners in our state. It can depend on what area or specialization you want to go into, but you will likely find work easily due to the high demand.
NPSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring online nurse practitioner program students?
Dr. Runner: First, make sure you understand what online learning is and that it is self-directed. Your instructors are there to help guide and support you, but it is a lot of independent learning. There is support, but you have to keep yourself on track and motivated. If you don’t work well in that way, then an online program may not be ideal.
Second, ensure you have a goal. Why do you want to pursue this? What do you aim to achieve? I remember my time in NP school; I realized that I wanted to specialize. I recognized that family practice wasn’t the right fit for me. I wanted to work in a clinic focusing on chronic diseases. You need to determine which environment will suit you best and where you’ll be most effective, as completing an NP program is a significant commitment.
What to Expect from Cleveland State University Online NP Programs
Admission Requirements: To be eligible for Cleveland State University’s MSN degree programs, applicants must hold a bachelor of science degree in nursing (BSN) with at least a 3.0 (on a 4.0 point scale) cumulative GPA. A current, valid, and unencumbered RN license is also necessary. The application package should include an online application, a current resume, one letter of recommendation, a personal essay, official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, and proof of previous coursework in statistics at the undergraduate or graduate level, resulting in a grade of C or better. No GRE or GMAT scores are required as part of the application.
Certificate program applicants must fulfill a nearly identical list of requirements. They must submit proof of an active, unrestricted RN license in the state where practicum hours will be completed and a master’s degree in nursing or a doctorate in nursing practice from an accredited nursing program as evidenced by official transcripts of all previous graduate coursework completed. Such transcripts must also indicate a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants submit a resume, goal statement, and two letters of reference from healthcare professionals or faculty members. Finally, a demonstration of satisfactory completion of a prerequisite statistics course is also necessary.
State Restrictions: CSU’s MSN degree and post-graduate certificate programs are open to applicants from 16 states. Prospective students should visit the school website to verify if they live in an eligible state. Individuals seeking to become licensed nurse practitioners should contact the licensing agency in the state they plan to practice in to verify they fulfill all degree and licensure requirements.
Study Plan: CSU’s online nurse practitioner degree programs may be completed in six semesters over two years of full-time study, while both certificate programs can generally be completed in fifteen months of full-time study.
MSN Curriculum: Both MSN degree tracks require the completion of a core set of courses. Required courses for all programs include theoretical foundations and health assessment. Applicants should contact the school directly to obtain a thorough overview of the curriculum for their program of interest.
PMHNP Specialization Courses: The MSN-PMHNP program requires completion of 48 credit hours. Coursework includes study of topics such as psychiatric mental health assessment, neuropsychopharmacology, care of the adult individual client, and care of the family as a client. The PMHNP certificate is 36 credits.
FNP Specialization Courses: The MSN-FNP program requires completion of 47 credit hours. Coursework includes focused study of topics such as health care policy, theoretical foundations of population health, essential procedures for the FNP, primary care of adults, and women’s health in reproductive years. The FNP certificate requires 35 credits.
Online Experience: The didactic coursework for students of degree and certificate programs is available entirely online. An online delivery model accommodates the needs of many working nurse professionals who might otherwise be unable to further their education.
On-Site Requirements: MSN-FNP degree and certificate program students have one campus residency meeting requirement. Students of all programs, both degree and certificate, must complete 780 clinical hours in a placement within or near their community. CSU provides free services from a dedicated clinical placement team to provide students with suitable clinical experiences.
Paying for the Cleveland State University Online NP Programs
Online MSN program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below. They do not include additional costs such as textbooks or other course materials. Prospective students should contact the Cleveland State University admissions team for assistance with application and financial aid needs.
Graduate students can apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition to subsidized, unsubsidized, and private loans, students may also finance their education through sources that they do not have to pay money back. Examples include scholarships, grants, graduate assistantships, and tuition reimbursement programs operated by students’ employers.
Cleveland State University is a public university offering nurse practitioner programs with reasonable tuition costs, FNP and PMHNP specializations, and clinical placement support.
MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner
MSN – Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
Post-Graduate Certificate – Family NP
Post-Graduate Certificate – PMHNP
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
47
780
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
47
$614.25
$28,869.75
$615.25
$28,916.75
Program Essentials
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
48
780
CCNE – Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Program Admissions
BSN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
48
$614.25
$29,484.00
$615.25
$29,532.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
FNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
No
1
35
780
HLC – Higher Learning Commission
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
35
$614.25
$21,498.75
$615.25
$21,533.75
Program Essentials
Post-Master Certificate – Post-Graduate (Post-MSN) Nursing Certificate
PMHNP – Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Fall, Spring, Summer
Yes
0
36
780
HLC – Higher Learning Commission
Program Admissions
MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
No GRE required
3.0 or higher
None
Program Tuition
36
$614.25
$22,113.00
$615.25
$22,149.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Bernd Geels
WriterBernd Geels is a Berlin, Germany-based freelance writer and artist. He holds an undergraduate degree in atmospheric science and two graduate degrees. He completed his most recent graduate degree in international environmental studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in 2011. He is interested in healthcare, climate change, marine conservation, indigenous science, and refugee issues. You can reach him directly at [email protected].