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*The total number of APRNs with an active (or current) license in Ohio as of June 30, 2021 (Ohio Board of Nursing, 2021)

All Ohio APRNs must:

First, obtain a license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) from the Ohio Board of Nursing. Obtaining an RN license requires certain knowledge and skills acquired in a basic nursing educational program and successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)-RN. Prior to being licensed as an RN in Ohio, the applicant must submit fingerprints for an FBI (federal) and BCI (civilian) criminal records check completed by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI). Learn more about the Ohio Board of Nursing's criminal background check requirement.
Obtain a Master's or Doctoral degree from an accredited APRN educational program.
Pass a national certification examination (in an APRN role and at least one population focus) from a national certifying organization, approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing. Learn more about the Ohio Board of Nursing's approved list of national certifying organizations.
Be issued a license by the Ohio Board of Nursing that authorizes the nurse to practice as an APRN.
Practice in collaboration with a physician or podiatrist (all CNPs, CNMs, and CNSs) or practice under the supervision of a physician, dentist, or podiatrist (all CRNAs).
Maintain national APRN certification.
Complete continuing educational requirements on a regular basis (at least every 2 years).

An APRN is an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. There are four types of APRNs that are legally recognized in Ohio:

Courtesy of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

The following is REQUIRED to practice as an APRN in Ohio:

APRNs are trained to:

Obtain a detailed and comprehensive history of the patient, including past medical/surgical history, family history, and psycho-social history
Perform comprehensive physical examinations
Order and perform health screenings
Evaluate signs and symptoms
Diagnose and treat illnesses, diseases, and injuries
Diagnose and manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes and asthma
Order, perform, and interpret laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic tests
Develop and modify plans of care
Coordinate and evaluate patient care
Prescribe medications and other treatments
Dispense and administer medications
Prescribe preventive therapies, such as vaccinations, diets, and exercise
Provide education and counseling to patients, families, and groups
Promote positive health behaviors and disease prevention
Consult and collaborate with other health care professionals
Refer patients to specialists (when appropriate)

ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE (APRN)

advanceD practice registereD nurseS

Ohio APRNs