Ohio University Online DNP Programs: BSN-to-DNP, MSN-to-DNP
Ohio University’s School of Nursing offers an online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) with BSN and MSN entry points and two specializations: nurse leadership and nurse educator.
The DNP program prepares graduates to apply evidence-based practice methods to improve the quality of patient care and health outcomes; successfully lead, communicate, manage healthcare organizations, and implement new healthcare delivery models and practices; effectively understand and use information technology including databases, communication networks, and practice information systems to implement and evaluate quality healthcare initiatives.
DNPs also collaborate and lead interprofessional teams, advocate for health policies that support healthcare equity, access, and quality, and apply learned theories, concepts, and skills to create evidence-based nursing practices. Success as a DNP requires advanced clinical nursing skills such as critical thinking, effective planning, successful implementation, and thorough evaluation of healthcare practices.
Graduates of the online BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs will have earned a graduate certificate in nurse leadership or nursing education. At that time, they are eligible to sit for the National League for Nursing, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), or the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) depending on the specialization.
DNP nurse educators may pursue high-level careers in healthcare organizations or higher education. DNP nurse leaders may pursue high-level careers in nursing leadership and management.
The online DNP program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the nurse educator curriculum aligns with the National League for Nursing (NLN) Core Competencies for Nurse Educators. Ohio University is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is located in Athens, Ohio.*
*Note that this program is not available to students in all states. Please see the restrictions in the section below.
What to Expect from the Ohio University Online DNP Programs
Admission Requirements: Prospective online BSN-DNP applicants must hold a BSN, and MSN-DNP applicants an MSN from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale. An unencumbered RN license in the state where clinical hours and practicums will be completed is required. No GMAT or GRE is required.
Required application materials include a statement of professional goals, a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, proof of RN licensure in an approved state of study, and official transcripts. Applicants must have at least two years of full-time RN nursing experience in the past five years and complete a web-based admissions interview.
Restricted states include Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Washington DC, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. In addition, this program is not open to international students or in the following U.S. territories: the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Minor Outlying Islands, and Puerto Rico.
Study Plan: The online MSN-DNP program can be completed in as few as six semesters, while the BSN-DNP program can be completed in nine to 12 semesters. Students are admitted once per year in the fall. Although this is not a cohort-based program, students must take courses in a specific order, and not all courses are offered each semester.
Nurses may continue to work part-time or full-time as this is a part-time program designed for working nurses. Online DNP students complete at least 1,000 clinical hours, including practicum experiences. As well, three on-campus intensives (OCIs) are required.
DNP Curriculum: The online BSN-DNP program comprises 36 credits, while the BSN-DNP program comprises 70 credits plus 1,000 clinical hours.
DNP courses include the following for advanced nursing practice: leadership and systems and organizations; interprofessional theories; health policy and advocacy; principles of business and resource management; analysis of evidence-based practice; promotional quality health care; application of evidence-based practice; informatics; epidemiology and population health; and DNP scholarly project I-II.
Core nurse educator courses include the theoretical basis of practice and analysis of evidence-based practice for advanced practice nursing. Nurse educator specialization courses may include foundations for nurse educators; advanced health appraisal; advanced pharmacology and pathophysiology for nurse educators; instructional and teaching strategies; educational design, assessment, and evaluation; capstone experience for nurse educators; and nursing educator practicum.
Nurse leadership courses for advanced nursing practice may include leadership in systems and organizations; analysis of evidence-based practice; nursing administration; theoretical basis of practice; professional presence; analysis of evidence-based practice; principles of business and resource management; health policy and advocacy; project planning and evaluation; informatics; nurse leaders in practice; and capstone experience for nurse leaders.
Each student works with a program advisor to create an individual completion plan, including which courses will be completed. The courses listed for the specializations may not all be required for BSN-DNP students, and MSN-DNP students pursuing a specialization complete far fewer courses than are listed.
Online Experience: The online DNP program is delivered online with synchronous and asynchronous components. Ohio University delivers courses through Blackboard Learn. Student services may include admissions counseling, faculty office hours, academic advising, library services, online tutoring, financial aid, mental health services, and career counseling services.
On-Site Requirements: There are three required on-campus intensives for the DNP portion of the program. All other work is completed online or locally.
Paying for the Ohio University Online DNP Programs
The Ohio University Online DNP program tuition numbers are listed in the tables below, and do not include fees. Tuition may differ slightly for Ohio residents and non-residents. Prospective students should contact the Ohio University School of Nursing Admissions Department for cost clarifications and updates.
DNP students may be eligible for unsubsidized federal student loans by applying through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other opportunities to fund a graduate degree include private loans, community scholarships and grants, and employer tuition reimbursement programs and discounts.
Ohio University Online BSN to DNP
| Degree Level | Doctoral Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 70 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as few as three years |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE - Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education |
| Level of Education Required? | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years |
| Credit Hours | 70 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $667.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $46,690.00 |
Ohio University Online MSN to DNP
| Degree Level | Doctoral Degree |
| Program Start Dates | Fall |
| Credits Needed to Graduate | 36 |
| Time to Complete? | Graduate in as few as six semesters |
| 100% Online? | No |
| Program Accreditation | CCNE |
| Level of Education Required? | Master of Science in Nursing |
| GRE or GMAT Required? | No |
| Work Experience Required? | At least two years of full-time RN work experience within the past 5 years |
| Credit Hours | 36 |
| Average Cost Per Credit | $667.00 |
| Estimated Program Tuition * | $24,012.00 |
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees, unless otherwise specified. Please check here for any tuition updates.
