As a nurse, you know the importance of staying on top of the latest advances in patient care. You may have thought about furthering your education with a graduate degree. Perhaps you already have your MSN and are interested in taking your education to the next level. A doctorate of nursing practice degree is a great option for nurses who want to continue to provide patient care while also becoming leaders in their field.
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When you’re working 12-hour shifts, it can be hard to find the time to get an additional degree. Most nursing schools in Ohio recognize how hard it can be for nurses to make time for school, and they offer flexible programming to make it easier than ever for you to complete the requirements of a DNP program. Many programs are offered completely or partially online, allowing you to work on your schedule.
SEE ALSO: Ohio DNP Salary
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular DNP programs currently offered in the state of Ohio.
1. Ashland University
At Ashland University, the DNP program is designed to accommodate a nurse’s busy schedule. The degree can be completed in as little as two years by nurses who already have their MSN. Students have the option of focusing on learning advanced medical procedures in the advanced practice track, or they can prepare for an administrative career by choosing the healthcare administration track.
- Campus: Ashland, Ohio
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $700 per credit, the total number of credits will depend on the student’s specialization and prior education.
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have a BSN or MSN with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, an RN license, successful completion of an undergraduate or graduate statistics course, and an in-person interview.
- Programs: Students may specialize in family nursing, health systems, leadership, or advanced practice nursing.
- School Site: Ashland University – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
2. Case Western Reserve University
At Case Western Reserve University, nurses have the option of specializing in one of two tracks as they pursue their DNP. The educational leadership track prepares nurses to become educators in their field, while the clinical leadership track prepares nurses to become advanced medical practitioners providing expert-level patient care.
- Campus: Cleveland, Ohio
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $2,100 per credit hour, total number of credits required depend on student’s specialization choice and prior education.
- Minimum time commitment: 2 years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Students must have their MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, and at least three recommendations that speak to your ability to complete doctorate level work.
- Programs: Students may specialize in educational leadership or clinical leadership.
- School Site: Case Western Reserve University – Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice
3. Mount St. Joseph University
Case Western Reserve University offers a unique program for nurses who want to earn their DNP to become leaders in healthcare systems. While nurses educated in this program graduate with expertise in patient care, they’re also ready to become leaders who can positively affect change within healthcare systems. This program is an excellent fit both for nurses who want to continue providing direct patient care and for nurses who would prefer to work in an administrative healthcare role.
- Campus: Cincinnati, Ohio
- Type: Private
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $650 per credit hour, the total number of credits required depends on student’s prior education.
- Minimum time commitment: Three years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have their MSN with a GPA of at least 3.0, an RN license, two references, an in-person interview, and satisfactory completion of a statistics course.
- Programs: Students may specialize in health system leadership.
- School Site: Case Western Reserve University – Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership
4. The Ohio State University
Whether you’re interested in becoming a leader in healthcare administration, or you’re interested in becoming an expert in clinical practice, The Ohio State University’s DNP program can help you meet your career goals. Admissions requirements differ between the two specializations, so be sure to consider that when deciding which track makes the most sense for you. This online program is a perfect fit for busy nurses who want to pursue their career goals without disrupting their work schedule.
- Campus: Columbus, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $32,000 total cost
- Minimum time commitment:
- Online availability: Yes
- Degree requirements: Applicants must have completed their master’s degree in nursing or a related field with a GPA of at least 3.0 and must have an RN license. Applicants interested in the clinical expert specialization must also hold an APRN certification.
- Programs: Students may specialize in clinical expert or nurse executive programs.
- School Site: The Ohio State University School of Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice
5. University of Akron
If you’re looking for a program that blends online learning with a traditional face-to-face classroom experience, the DNP program at the University of Akron may be a great fit for you. Students attend class at the university two weekends each month and complete the rest of their coursework online. This makes it easier for nurses who are working full-time to get their degree without having to miss valuable time at work.
- Campus: Akron, Ohio
- Type: Public
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: Approximately $9,400 for in-state students, $15,000 for out-of-state students.
- Minimum time commitment: Two years
- Online availability: Some
- Degree requirements: Applicants hold certification as a clinical nursing specialist, certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or a nurse midwife.
- Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice
- School Site: University of Akron – Doctor of Nursing Practice