Doctor of Nursing Practice

Nursing Practice – DN1234 & DN1235

School of Nursing
Athens Campus (Main Office)
Grover Center E365
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740-593-4494
800-560-0144 (toll free)
graduatenursing@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Hybrid

Terms of Entry: Fall

Program Overview

The Ohio University School of Nursing promotes excellence in the profession of nursing through education, scholarship, and service. The School provides quality educational experiences, utilizes clinical partnerships and facilitates regional collaboration that will enhance the health of diverse communities.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program consists of two tracks: the BSN-to-DNP track (DN1235) and the Post-Masters-to-DNP track (DN1234). Coursework is offered in a hybrid model, with some online courses and some courses which include an on-campus intensive experience. There is a core set of courses that all students complete, with additional elective courses available to allow students to individualize the focus of their program as an advanced practice nurse or a nurse executive. Students complete a total of 1000 practice hours (post-baccalaureate) to increase their depth and breadth of knowledge in their interest area resulting in a scholarly project. Students in the Post-Masters-to-DNP may receive credit for some of their clinical hours completed in previous graduate clinical courses as determined on an individual basis.

Program Learning Outcomes 

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. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Synthesize and apply evidence based practice guidelines in the provision of quality patient centered care and improved health outcome.
• Integrate theories and concepts from nursing and other disciplines in the development of evidence-based practice guidelines and patient outcomes.
• Apply principles of communication, leadership, business and organizational systems frameworks to develop and implement new models of health care delivery or quality health practice initiatives.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of information technology, data bases, practice information systems and communication networks in the implementation and evaluation of quality health care practices.
• Advocate in a leadership role for health policies and proposal related to equity, access and quality health care focusing on regulations and delivery.
• Collaborate and lead intraprofessional teams to implement and evaluate quality health outcomes in diverse populations.
• Analyze epidemiological and environmental trends to develop clinical prevention and health promotion strategies in diverse populations and communities.
• Apply advanced clinical skills of critical thinking, planning, implementing, and evaluating in providing quality health care through specialty-focused competencies.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the standard Graduate College admission requirements, potential students must supply/document the following:

• Awarded Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) of Master of Science in Nursing (MSN( from a regionally accredited institution with minimum grade point average of 3.20
• Minimum grade point average of 3.20 for unconditional admission
• Statement of professional goals
• Resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s ability to complete graduate-level coursework and practice abilities. A minimum of 2 of these must be from individuals prepared at or above the Master’s level. One must be from an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse or Registered Nurse.
• Resident of and evidence of valid, unencumbered RN licensure in an approved state (https://www.ohio.edu/chsp/nursing/graduate/masters/msn-application-process)
• A web-based admission interview with faculty
• 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.

Students have the opportunity to earn post-graduate certificates as a part of their DNP program. The certificate programs at Ohio University, including the Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (CTACNG ), the Family Nurse Practitioner (CTFNRG ), and the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (CTCPNG ) programs are intended to prepare students for advanced practice nursing and national certification in those areas. State Boards of Nursing set individual standards for licensure in their state. It is highly recommended that students who seek admission to these programs at Ohio University contact their home state’s Board of Nursing to verify that the desired program and its graduates will meet the eligibility criteria for approval for those credentials. Approved RN licensure states for application can be found on the School of Nursing website.

Graduation Requirements

Students holding the MSN degree must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students holding a BSN must complete a minimum of 74 credit hours.