Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Available as BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP programs

The Ohio University Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program offers a concentration in advanced clinical or executive practice to further expand the knowledge and skills of the advanced nurse clinician or administrator for the BSN to DNP student or the Post-MSN to DNP student. The full program is approximately 90% online with a minimum of two on-campus intensives (OCIs) at our campuses either in Athens, Ohio or Dublin, Ohio. The OCIs offer great opportunities to engage in interactive, interprofessional activities while learning the program from faculty, expert leaders in the field, and peers.

BSN to DNP Sample Course Schedule

Post-MSN to DNP Sample Course Schedule
 

The School of Nursing also has five online graduate nursing certificates available.

Online Graduate Nursing Certificates

Academic Highlights

• Acquire knowledge of advanced clinical or executive practice;
• Develop expertise in such areas as evidence-based practice, informatics, health policy and epidemiology;
• Promote interprofessional proficiencies through individualized electives and practice experiences.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Ohio University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).

Research

The faculty are very involved in numerous research and scholarly activities including publications, presentations, and grants. Faculty work closely with the DNP students to develop, implement, and evaluate a DNP project which is a transformational change project that will impact healthcare in a focused area.
 

What our DNP students are saying:

The program is very family-oriented. We had one campus intensive that helped to bring all of us together. The instructors were very supportive of us through our journey. They are very understanding of our situations and our pursuits for this higher degree. You won’t find better support for instructors than through Ohio University’s DNP program. The school is just wonderful. I can’t say enough great things about it.

– Natalie Perry, DNP Graduate '18
 

This has developed me not only as a nurse, but as a person. The pace of the schoolwork is very manageable. They put together the program so you go step by step in development of the doctoral project. I’ve learned skills through each step and been able to put them to use as I continue to work as an advanced practice nurse. I’ve come out of this program with several good friends as well as fellow advanced practice nurses that I call upon frequently for their expertise. This program has given me the courage to stand up and do things I’ve always wanted to do.

– Kristine Plotts, Current DNP Student
 

Further your career with a DNP from Ohio University!

Why should I pursue a DNP?

The DNP is a clinical doctorate with a focus on advanced nursing practice or nursing administration. It is expected that the demand for the advanced nurse practitioner or executive will continue to increase over the next several years and the DNP will become the expected preparation for entry to practice.

Can I work full-time and complete my degree?

Yes! Whether you work days, nights, or weekends, our program is structured to fit your busy lifestyle. Students need to practice time management in order to be successful, however, most of our online course components are asynchronous and can be done on your own time, with the occasional web conference or virtual instructor meeting. Students should expect 20-24 hours of schoolwork per week plus an additional 2-3 sessions per week at their clinical site during residency courses.

Why should I select Ohio University for a DNP?

Ohio University School of Nursing has established itself as one of the leading nursing schools in Ohio with multiple track options for the BSN to DNP student, such as family nurse practitioner, acute care adult-gerontology nurse practitioner and nurse leader to help prepare you in your area of interest. Post Master's to DNP students also have the option to complete additional certificates in one of these and many other areas. Our students are considered a preferred employee by many healthcare agencies.

What career opportunities exist in the nursing industry?

With the DNP degree, clinicians will be able to step into an advanced practice role such as a nurse practitioner or nurse executive. With additional training in nursing education, many practitioners with a DNP have also moved into an educational setting as nursing faculty. OHIO graduates are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of individuals, families and communities of the future.