DNP Admission Requirements

Key Admissions Dates

Fall 2023:

  • Application Deadline: 7/6
  • Classes Begin: 8/28
Online Application Form Apply now
Pre-Requisite Degree Awarded 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 GPA Cumulative 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 admissions 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  Licensure Resident of and evidence of valid, unrestricted RN licensure in an approved state. A current list of approved states can be found below.
Test Scores No GRE/GMAT Required
Work Experience Evidence of at least 2 years of professional experience working as an RN within the last 5 years
Admission Interview A 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 Massachusetts Ohio
Arkansas Michigan Pennsylvania
California 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  

International Students

This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

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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