Advancing Care: Chris’s Journey as a BSN to DNP-FNP Graduate

Meet Christopher H. Connors, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP-C, EBP-C, a graduate of the online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner program at The Ohio State University. Currently a nurse practitioner at MetroHealth, Chris chose this flexible program due to its outstanding faculty, rigorous curriculum, and exceptional support with preceptor matching. Grateful for the mentorship he received at OSU, he now looks forward to transitioning into education to help train the next generation of nurses. 

We had the pleasure of speaking with Chris to learn more about his journey, program experiences, and future plans.

Currently, I serve as a Family Nurse Practitioner at MetroHealth in Cleveland, Ohio, but my route to health care was unique; I first earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Oboe Performance, working in music, real estate, and instrument repair before discovering my passion for nursing. I pursued an accelerated 15-month ABSN, followed by roles in the Cardiac ICU and Traumatic Brain Injury rehab. After moving to Columbus for my spouse’s graduate studies at OSU, I joined a neurological multispecialty clinic on campus. Eventually, I transitioned to full-time study in Ohio State’s inaugural three-year BSN to DNP–NP track, completing my FNP in 2022 and earning my DNP in 2023—a truly life-changing experience.

The Ohio State University stood out because of its strong reputation and its unique focus on wellness-oriented, evidence-based training. I was impressed by the quality of the faculty, the strength of the curriculum, and the solid support around preceptor matching, which made Ohio State the obvious choice for me.

What makes the BSN to DNP–FNP program truly unique is its combination of world-class faculty, cutting-edge clinical training, and a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice. The skills and mindset I’ve developed through the program continue to guide my practice every day, helping me embody The Ohio State University’s College of Nursing’s mission to dream, discover, and deliver.

Although I enrolled in person, much of my early coursework shifted online due to the pandemic. This adjustment worked surprisingly well for foundational classes like pathophysiology, pharmacology, and assessment. The faculty remained accessible, responsive, flexible with meeting times, and consistently offered personalized support, which made a significant impact. Group projects helped build meaningful relationships with classmates, and a business planning course, in particular, provided valuable teamwork experience. While connecting virtually and balancing life with school presented challenges, the program’s mentorship, wellness resources, and holistic approach helped me stay grounded.

Becoming an FNP opened the door for me to start my journey as a health care provider. Long term, I aim to transition into education and help train the next generation of nurses. With the increasing demand for skilled, compassionate providers, I want to give back by mentoring others, just as my mentors at Ohio State supported me.

You won’t regret choosing Ohio State. It’s not just a top-ranked school; the faculty genuinely care about your success. My advice is to stay curious, ask questions, and speak up if you have ideas or need help. This program isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about becoming the kind of provider who can lead, innovate, and make an impact.

Are you ready to follow in Chris’s footsteps and take a bold step forward in your nursing career? Request more information about Ohio State’s online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner program today and start building your own success story.