How many credits are in the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs?
You'll complete 70 credits to earn the BSN-DNP degree, and 36 credits to earn the MSN-DNP degree. The DNP programs also require 1,000 clinical/practicum hours.
Where can I complete my clinical/practicum hours?
Clinical practice hours are dependent on the course objectives. Clinical practice hours are faculty-supervised, in collaboration with a preceptor or mentor, and are individualized based on the program of study. Faculty work closely with students in the selection of a preceptor-mentor and clinical setting.
Do the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs offer specializations?
The BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs offer two specializations: direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse, and indirect patient care as a nurse executive or nurse educator. Upon graduation, students will have earned the DNP and a graduate certificate in their specialty focus, if applicable, for eligibility to complete a national certification examination.
Do the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs follow a cohort model?
While the DNP programs do not follow a cohort model in the traditional sense, nursing courses must be taken in sequence. In addition, certain courses are only offered during certain semesters. Students will develop an individualized program of study with the Program Director and Academic Advisor in their first semester in the program.
Are the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs available in a blended/hybrid format?
Yes, the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs are offered in a blended format, including both web-based and on-campus intensives (OCIs). The DNP Core courses require three On-Campus Intensives, there may be additional On-Campus Intensives in specialty focus classes. Outside of of the intensive and clinical hour requirements, all coursework is online-only.
How many clinical hours are required in the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs?
There are 1,000 clinical hours required to complete the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs. These hours are integrated into coursework and project development, implementation, and evaluation:
- For MSN-DNP students, a “gaps analysis” is conducted on clinical/practice hours completed in previous graduate coursework to determine additional clinical/practice hours needed
- For the BSN-to-DNP student, the number of clinical/practice hours is 1,000 hours post-baccalaureate
Are the faculty mostly tenured or adjunct in the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs?
Your interaction with faculty is key in a graduate nursing program, therefore, we do not utilize teaching assistants. Faculty are all nurses, prepared at the Master's or Doctorate level, who still practice in their respective fields.
How long have the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs been offered online?
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) was first proposed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in 2004 as an entry to practice for advanced nurse practitioners and executives. DNP builds on the baccalaureate and master’s educational foundations and was initiated in 2017 at Ohio University. These programs, which are accredited by Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), also offer concentrations in advanced clinical or executive practice to further expand the knowledge and skills of the advanced nurse clinician or administrator for the DNP student.