Online DNP Career Outlook

Take the Next Step to Nursing Excellence

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 health care needs of individuals, families, and communities of the future.

Specialize Your DNP Education

Ohio University's BSN-DNP and MSN-DNP programs offer two specialization paths: direct patient care as an advanced practice nurse (Family Nurse Practitioner, Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner), and indirect patient care as a nurse executive or nurse educator. Upon graduation, you will have earned the DNP and a graduate certificate in your specialty focus, if applicable, for eligibility to complete a national certification examination.

Get a Top Job with Your DNP

Graduate prepared to be agents of change at multiple levels and have an impact on patient care and the nursing profession. Here are just a few of the positions and salaries you can look forward to after earning your DNP.

  • Chief Nursing Officer

    $155,451

    per year1

  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    $132,050

    per year2

  • Nurse Administrator

    $96,358

    per year3

Position Yourself for Professional Growth

As you continue expanding your knowledge and building your skills with the online DNP program, know that your investment now can set you up for lifelong success and career security. 

When you graduate, you will have the skills to qualify for multiple career opportunities that include:

  • 40% job growth for nurse practitioners by 20311
  • More than 120,000 job for health educators by 20314

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

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

Skills You'll Gain

  • Hone your ability to interpret statistics and apply data analysis techniques to evidence-based projects
  • Develop the ability to integrate an understanding of health policy into your nursing practice
  • Formulate differential diagnoses based on advanced health assessment skills, evidence-based practice, and clinical decision-making

Career Services

Ohio University's online students have access to free career support through OHIO Online Career Services. Connect with a personal career coach, access AI-assisted resume and interview tools, explore job search resources, and tap into alumni networking — all designed to support you wherever you are in your career journey.

Learn about Career Services

Personalized Career Coaching

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with the OHIO Online Career Services team for personalized guidance on career goals, job search strategy, and professional development.

Job Search Resources

The OHIO Online Career Hub provides resume templates, interview practice tools, job boards, and professional development webinars.

Professional Development Sessions

OHIO students can also participate in free professional development sessions led by industry experts. These live, virtual sessions cover topics like career self-concept, basic job search skills, and how to qualify for promotions and prepare for leadership opportunities.

Sources

  1. Average Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Salary, PayScale. Retrieved March 12, 2026 from
    https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Chief_Nursing_Officer_(CNO)/Salary.
  2. "Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners," Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved March 12, 2026 from
    https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm#tab-1.
  3. Average Nurse Administrator Salary, PayScale. Retrieved March 12, 2026 from
    https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Administrator/Salary.

 

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