Chief Nursing Officer
$145,364
per year2
Online BSN-DNP Program
Develop skills as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner or Administrator
BSN-DNP Program Overview
2-4
Years to Complete
70
Total Credits
$608
Ohio Resident, Cost Per Credit
The Advanced Nursing Degree That Prepares You to Lead
Ohio University's Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN-DNP) program, which began in 2017, is intended to prepare students for advanced nursing roles with a focus on leadership, informatics, health policy and evidence-based practice.
This 70-credit BSN-DNP program allows students to customize their education with specializations in either direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse or indirect patient care as a nurse executive or nurse educator.
Accreditation
The master's degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Ohio University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Program Benefits
- No GRE/GMAT Required
- CCNE accredited
- 100% online coursework (with limited on-campus intensives)
- Gain advanced clinical or executive practice
- Earn the DNP in 12 semesters
- Complete 70 credits for the BSN-DNP
Step into an Advanced Role
Ohio nursing students are considered preferred employees by many health care agencies when they graduate thanks to courses, expert faculty and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to be agents of change at all levels of the nursing profession. With additional training in nursing education, DNP graduates have also chosen careers as nursing faculty. After graduation, you will be ready to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities of the future.
BSN-DNP Careers
"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
Specialize Your BSN-DNP Education
Ohio University's BSN-DNP program offers two specialization paths: direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gero-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), 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.
A Curriculum That Builds Your Career
70 Credits | Part-time curriculum | 1,000 clinical/practicum hours
Ohio University's BSN-DNP program is geared toward undergraduate-level students already working in the field. The flexible, online (with limited on-campus intensives) program include explorations of health policy, quality and safety in population health, and epidemiology for advanced nursing practice.
Course Highlights:
- NRSE 7001 Professional Presence
- NRSE 7220 Advanced Pharmacology
- NRSE 7811 Foundations of Evidence-Based Practice
- NRSE 7826 Epidemiology and Population Health for Advanced Nursing Practice
Take the Next Step to Nursing Excellence
No GRE/ GMAT Required | Transfer Up to 9 Credits
Spring 2025:
- Application Deadline: 05/01/25
- Classes Begin: 08/25/25
BSN-DNP program admission requirements include:
- Awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from a regionally-accredited institution
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.20 calculated across all transcripts for unconditional admission
- 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
- Professional Goals Statement (written in APA sixth edition style) and 1-2 pages in length
- Resume or CV
- Resident of and evidence of valid, unrestricted RN licensure in an approved state. A current list of approved states can be found on our DNP admissions page
- Evidence of at least 2 years of professional experience working as an RN within the last 5 years
- A web-based admission interview with faculty
- $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.
Invest in Your Nursing Career
Ohio University supports your commitment to academic excellence and connects you with various forms of financial aid — from federal loans to scholarships and military benefits. The tuition and fees for this program include:
| Tuition (BSN-DNP): |
Ohio Resident: $42,560 Non-Resident: $43,890 |
|---|---|
| Cost Per Credit (BSN-DNP): |
Ohio Resident: $608 Non-Resident: $627 |
| Additional Fees (BSN-DNP): | Anticipate additional fees for textbooks and Typhon access |
Listed tuition is for estimating purposes only and is subject to change.
Financial Aid
OHIO is committed to offering affordable, competitive tuition and has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a best-value university by U.S. News and World Report. In addition, student veteran, active military members, alumni, and corporate partners are automatically eligible to receive a 15% scholarship. Depending on your background, costs and credit hours will differ.
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In-Person, Hands-On Experience
While the BSN-DNP offers the flexibility of a part-time schedule and online learning, students also benefit from periodic On-Campus Intensives (OCIs) that broaden their network and expertise. OCIs take place at the Athens or Dublin campus
Students engage in interactive, interprofessional activities.Connect with and learn from faculty, expert leaders, and in-the-field peers.
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Online Learning at OHIO
Ohio University has a long tradition of offering online programs specifically designed for the modality and created for working professionals. Our online students complete engaging, comprehensive coursework that combines the academic excellence and experience-based learning of a traditional program with all the flexibility and convenience of online study.
With asynchronous courses and part-time scheduling (one course per seven weeks), you can earn your degree while maintaining your current work and personal commitments. Virtual office hours give you the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty. Access your coursework 24/7 and complete your assignments on a schedule that fits your life.
Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired
Ohio University School of Nursing has established itself as one of the leading nursing schools in Ohio with multiple track options for the BSN-DNP student. When you join the program, you can expect to learn the skills required to pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute-care nurse practitioner, nurse leader, and beyond.
What You'll Learn
- Acquire knowledge of advanced clinical or executive practice
- Understand the analysis and implementation of evidence-based practice
- Grasp the importance of professional presence for the advanced-level nurse
- Master the concepts of quality and safety in population health
Program Outcomes
- Translate knowledge from nursing and other disciplines as a basis for clinical judgment and innovative evidence-based education, practice, and research.
- Translate evidence-based practice to lead in the delivery of person-centered care to enhance health outcomes and improve health systems.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams using the principles of population health to design and evaluate interventions that optimize health outcomes and enhance advocacy strategies for individuals, families and communities and populations.
- Integrate, evaluate, and generate evidence-based practice and research to inform and promote advanced clinical practice.
- Design and apply evidence-based practice health care strategies that promote quality health care and mitigate risk for individuals, families, communities, and health care providers within a culture of safety and respect.
- Facilitate interprofessional collaboration using principles of team dynamics to promote quality health care strategies that optimize the health of individuals, families, and populations within complex health care environments.
- Apply evidence-based, innovative strategies based on organizational and systems policies to create change and enhance value, access, quality, and cost-effectiveness within complex health care delivery systems.
- Synthesize information literacy skills in complex data-driven decision-making and provision of care in accordance with ethical, legal, professional, and regulatory standards and practices
- Cultivate a sustainable professional identity incorporating accountability, collaboration, and comportment in advanced practice nursing that promotes person-centered care.
- Foster an environment that promotes self-care, personal health, well-being, and professional development in a culture of accountability and collaboration.
Learn from Leaders in the Field
As current practitioners in their fields, Ohio University's DNP faculty are experts dedicated to creating a collaborative, student-centered environment. As a student, you'll benefit from:
- Mentorship and support throughout the program
- Small class sizes
- Direct connections to faculty
- A broadened professional network
Faculty Spotlight
Related Programs
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MSN-DNP
Complete your journey to advanced practice or nursing administration opportunities with flexible online coursework and enlightening practicum hours.
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MSN
Ohio University's online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program is a comprehensive and focused program designed for active registered nurses with a BSN and a passion for career development. Whether you're interested in becoming a nurse educator, nurse leader, or nurse practitioner, the MSN program has a track for you.
Answers to Common Questions
Find answers to common questions about the online program. For information not covered here, our expert admissions team is available to provide additional details and guidance.
What is the cost-per-credit for the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs?
Tuition for the BSN-DNP program is $608 per credit for Ohio residents and $627 per credit for non-residents. You'll need to complete 70 credits for a total tuition of $42,560 for Ohio residents, or $43,890 for non-residents.
You can review all tuition costs here.
Tuition for the MSN-DNP program is $648 per credit for Ohio residents and $667 per credit for non-residents. You'll need to complete 36 credits for a total tuition of $23,328 for Ohio residents, or $24,012 for non-residents.
You can review all tuition costs here.
Do the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs accept transfer credits?
Yes, the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs accept up to 9 transfer credits. It may be possible to transfer previous graduate credits to meet the requirements of our programs. There are limitations to the number, age, and types of credits that students may transfer to meet requirements. It is also possible to “waive” certain courses based on previous coursework; however, if a required course is waived, students may need to take an additional course to meet the required credit hours for graduation.
You can learn more about our admissions policy here.
What are the start dates for the BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs throughout the year?
Students are admitted into the DNP programs in the Fall and Spring terms. Please contact us for additional details.
Following Dates for Spring 2024:
- Application Deadline: 11/6
- Classes Begin: 1/16
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.
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
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.
Sources
- "Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners," Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm.
- Average Chief Nursing Officer Salary, PayScale. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary.
- "The Most Comprehensive Data About Nurse Practitioners and the NP Role," American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved October 10, 2024, from https://www.aanp.org/practice/practice-related-research/research-reports.
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