Online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice

College of Nursing
Reach the highest level of clinical expertise in nursing with an online BSN to DNP degree.

Ohio State’s BSN to DNP program positions nurses as leaders ready to transform health care. Students who have previously earned their bachelor of science in nursing will earn both their master’s degree and DNP degree as part of this online program.

BSN to DNP students are eligible for certification in one of the college’s advanced practice specialties, including the new Nurse Anesthesia specialty track. Collaborate with world-class faculty and peers from across the country while taking the next step in your career.


Campus Requirements: 100% online coursework. Students are encouraged to attend an on-campus orientation at the start of the program and are required to present and defend their final project on campus at the conclusion. 
Note: Two tracks do incorporate brief on-campus learning opportunities and skill assessments.

Class Format: Most classes are offered in a synchronous format, meaning you have a scheduled date and time you must log in to attend. Synchronous courses typically meet weekly on Wednesdays or Thursdays.  

Credit Hours Required: 72 

Cost Per Credit Hour: $1,158.58 (includes instructional, general, and program fees). See the full cost breakdown here.

Admission Requirements: Completed Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Nursing, active RN license, minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 GPA scale in the last degree earned that is relevant to the program of study, completion of prerequisite course with a B- or higher

Time to Completion: Students attending on a full-time basis can complete the program in 3 years (8 semesters). Those attending part-time can complete the program over 4 years (11 semesters)

Jane Ginther
Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate
"[The DNP program] presents this extraordinary opportunity to learn what other health systems are doing, which often times leads to collaboration and meaningful change."

Program Tracks

BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice online specialties

In addition to earning your master’s degree and DNP degree, BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice students are eligible for certification in one of the college’s advanced practice specialties. Students must select a specialty on the program application. Below are the specialties available in an online format:

Family Nurse Practitioner​​​​​

The FNP role includes preventative healthcare as well as the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illness. Graduates of this track are prepared to care for individuals and families across the lifespan. Learn more about this track.​​​​​​

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Neonatal Nurse Practitioners provide healthcare to neonates, infants, and children up to 2 years of age. In this track, you’ll attain the specialized knowledge and skills to provide safe and high-quality care to neonates. Learn more about this track.​​​​​​

Nurse Anesthesia

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) provide care to patients in surgical, delivery, and outpatient suites, and any setting where anesthesia is delivered. Learn more about this track.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners focus on individuals, families, and populations across the lifespan at risk for developing and/or having a diagnosis of psychiatric disorders or mental health problems. The PHMNP provides primary mental healthcare to patients seeking mental health services in a variety of settings. Learn more about this track.

Sample Courses

NURSING PRACTICE 8402

Innovation and Leadership Development for the DNP Nurse (Synchronous)

Examination of leadership development to maximize innovation and positive organizational impact with an exploration of own leadership development.
NURSING PRACTICE 8404

Nurse Executive Leadership (Synchronous)

Analysis of the role of the DNP nurse executive within complex healthcare systems.
NURSING PRACTICE 8480

Quality Improvement in Doctoral Nursing Practice (Synchronous)

Advanced concepts in collaboration, design, leadership, implementation and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives.
NURSING PRACTICE 8500

Health Policy for Doctoral Nursing Practice (Synchronous)

Principles of policy-making at the institutional, local, state, and federal levels to influence policy change affecting health care.

Featured Faculty

Grayce Sills Endowed Professor in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, Professor, Director of the Translational/Implementation Research Core, Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for EBP, Director of DNP Program, Nurse Executive Track
Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialty Track
Associate Clinical Professor Director, DNP Program

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