DNP Admission Requirements

Key Admissions Dates

Fall 2025:

  • Application Deadline: 05/01/25
  • Classes Begin: 08/25/25
Online Application FormApply now(opens in a new window)
Pre-Requisite DegreeAwarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (for BSN to DNP applicants) or Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or equivalent Master’s Degree (for Master's DNP applicants) from a regionally-accredited institution.
Minimum GPACumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.20 calculated across all transcripts for unconditional admission. 
If you are lacking in GPA or experience, speak to an enrollment counselor. We consider applicants equally and holistically.
Documents
  • Official transcripts for all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions
  • 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your ability to complete graduate academic work, such as a nurse manager, previous nurse faculty, or supervisor. A minimum of two references should be from individuals prepared at the graduate level. If you are also seeking an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certificate, one letter should be from an APRN
  • Resume or CV
Professional Goals Statement:

Your professional goals statement should be an academic essay answering two questions:

  • Which advanced nursing role do you want to pursue and why? (FNP, AG-ACNP, Nurse Educator, Nurse Leader, PMHNP, etc.) ; and,
  • Ultimately, what type of setting do you wish to practice and/or population do you wish to focus on?
    • This essay is not a creative writing assignment or an appeal to emotion; it is your opportunity to tell the Selection Committee your understanding of the role and scope of practice; why you are focusing on this particular population; your future nursing career plans; and why you will be successful in this rigorous online program.
    • Your statement should be in APA 7th Edition style and should be no more than three pages in length, citing the AACN MSN Essentials document and/or APRN Consensus Model, where appropriate.
RN  LicensureResident of and evidence of valid, unrestricted RN licensure in an approved state. A current list of approved states can be found below.
Test ScoresNo GRE/GMAT Required
Work ExperienceEvidence of at least 2 years of professional experience working as an RN within the last 5 years
Admission InterviewA web-based admission interview with faculty
Application Fee$50 application fee

Students should be prepared to provide documentation of any national certifications, such as an APRN, Nurse Executive, etc.

Upon admission, students should be prepared to provide documentation of any precepted practicum/clinical hours earned through a graduate nursing program.

Prior to clinical/practicum experiences, students must also provide proof of the following:

  • Specified health status requirements (immunization status, TB screening, etc. as delineated in the current Graduate Nursing Student Handbook);
  • State and Federal background checks free from disqualifying offenses;
  • Malpractice insurance. Students in the APRN program tracks are required to have nurse practitioner malpractice insurance; students in the Nurse Leader/Executive or Nurse Educator program track are required to have registered nurse malpractice insurance. Insurance provided by the employer is not acceptable.

The DNP application program codes:

  • DN1234 – Post MSN to DNP
  • MS1235 – BSN to DNP

The Ohio University Graduate College manages the application process for all Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. Applicants utilizing Ohio University Education Benefits should contact the School of Nursing by emailing dnp@ohio.edu for specific information prior to applying.

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Approved RN Licensure States for Application

  • Alaska
  • Michigan
  • Pennsylvania
  • Arkansas
  • Mississippi
  • South Carolina
  • Connecticut
  • Missouri
  • Texas
  • Florida
  • Montana
  • Vermont
  • Hawaii
  • Nevada
  • West Virginia
  • Illinois
  • New Hampshire
  • Virginia
  • Indiana
  • New Jersey
  • Wisconsin
  • Kentucky
  • New Mexico
  • Maine
  • North Carolina
  • Massachusetts
  • Ohio  

International Students

Generally, students that reside outside of the United States are not eligible to enroll in an OHIO Online program. Additionally, Ohio University is unable to provide immigration support to international students regardless of where they reside. If you would like to discuss your specific situation in order to determine eligibility, please reach out to an OHIO Online enrollment counselor before applying.

Transfer Credit

Ohio University's BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs allow students to transfer up to 9 credits toward the completion of their degree. It may also be possible to transfer previous graduate credits to meet a program's requirements. That said, there are limitations to the number, age, and types of credits students may transfer.

It is also possible to waive certain courses based on previous coursework. If required coursework is waived, however, students may need to take additional classes to meet the required credit hours for graduation.

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