Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Executive
March 1, 2026
August 25, 2026
An online DNP for future nurse executives and leaders.
Advance into executive nursing leadership with Ohio State’s online DNP program. Designed for master’s-prepared nurses ready to lead change, this MSN to DNP pathway equips you to shape the future of health care at the highest levels.
Through a flexible online format, the program emphasizes strategic leadership, systems thinking, and evidence-informed decision-making—preparing you to navigate today’s complex care environments with confidence and skill.
You’ll engage in coursework that spans evidence-based practice, design thinking, organizational transformation, and strategic planning—building the expertise needed to lead as a nurse executive and make a lasting impact.
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"Graduating from this program strengthened my leadership capabilities and opens doors to executive-level opportunities. I feel well-prepared to lead change and influence health care policy."
Holly Chesnick DNP Graduate -
"The support I received during the online DNP program was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I joined, I felt truly seen – not just as a student, but as a whole person navigating complex professional and personal responsibilities. Faculty were consistently compassionate and accommodating, showing deep understanding of the realities working professionals face."
Sharon Heaton DNP Graduate -
"I learned to embrace and appreciate the online format. It enabled me to continue to work full time, take advantage of generous employer tuition benefits, and progress toward my career goals while accommodating my family life."
Jane Ginther DNP Graduate -
"As an online student, there's so many connections you can make that will have a really meaningful impact on your education. The opportunities that exist at Ohio State feel limitless."
Audra Hanners DNP Graduate
Official Recognition
Top 10 program
The Ohio State University’s DNP program is ranked #9 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Related Program & Content
Related Program & Content
Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Clinical Expert
Learn about our alternate Post-Master’s DNP pathway.
What Can You Do With an Online DNP?
Learn what you can do with an online DNP degree and discover the role of a Nurse Practitioner.
Is pursuing an online DNP worth it?
Discover the value of a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree while learning about Ohio State’s top-ranked online DNP programs and the value they add to your career.
Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s online Post-Master’s DNP Nurse Executive program admits students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.
Academic Calendar
Ohio State’s online Post-Master’s DNP Nurse Executive program admits students once-per-year for the Autumn semester.
Admission Criteria
To be eligible to apply for this online DNP program, applicants must have the following:
Applicants must have an active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state where they practice.
GPAs are reviewed by Ohio State’s Graduate and Professional Admissions Office. Applicants whose GPAs fall below 3.0 may still apply and be considered for admission.
Applicants must complete a college-level statistics prerequisite course prior to the posted application deadline, with a grade of B- or higher. The course must have been completed within five years of the application deadline. Credit by examination (such as AP test scores) is not accepted towards the prerequisite requirement. The prereq course should include a review of basic statistical concepts, univariate statistical analysis, bivariate statistical analysis and commonly used statistical tests.
For prerequisite coursework taken at another institution, please visit the Transferology website to see if the courses that you have taken or plan to take at another institution qualify. If you are unable to find results through these tools, then an evaluation of the courses will need to be done by the Office of Graduate & Professional Admissions.
The following Ohio State courses fulfill the prerequisite requirement:
- STATISTICS 1350 Elementary Statistics
- STATISTICS 1450 Introduction to the Practice of Statistics
- STATISTICS 2450 Introduction to Statistical Analysis
- PSYCH 2220 Data Analysis in Psychology
- PSYCH 3321 Quantitative and Statistical Methods
- PUBHIBO 6210 Applied Biostatistics I
To apply, applicants must reside in an authorized state. Please scroll to the State Authorization section of this page for more details.
Who We Are Looking For
Your application will be reviewed using a holistic approach, meaning all aspects of who you are as an applicant will be considered. This assessment will include academic preparedness and formative experiences in your professional background, education and life. We are also looking for applicants that demonstrate a preferred set of attributes, experiences and strengths described in the following list. This list is not all encompassing, but is meant to guide you in what you may wish to highlight in your written application materials and in your recorded online video interview:
- Clear understanding of the role of a DNP and the alignment with goals for the future
- Experience with evidence-based practice (EBP), quality improvement, innovation and scholarship
- Demonstration of leadership, interprofessional collaboration and teamwork
- Evidence of resiliency, ability to overcome obstacles, critical thinking and personal and professional growth
- Local to global community engagement, and diversity of thought, perspective and experience
- Written and oral communication skills, organization of ideas and emotional intelligence
- Overall commitment to nursing
How to Apply
Students must complete the following steps outlined below by the application deadline. Most applicants may review the status of their application any time at appstatus.osu.edu. Failure to complete all required steps of this application process by 11:59 pm ET on the day of the posted deadline will result in your application not being considered for admission, with no exceptions.
You can complete an application online for the next available Autumn cohort at The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website. A non-refundable $60 fee is required at the time of submission of the application.
Applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have previously attended at either the undergraduate or graduate level. This includes transcripts for any post-secondary courses taken during high school or coursework that appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Transcripts from The Ohio State University do not need to be submitted. Transcripts should be submitted directly by the sending institution by mail or electronic transfer to be considered official. Please request your transcripts be sent early so they arrive before the deadline. Transcripts can be sent to gpadocs@osu.edu or the following address:
The Ohio State University
Graduate Admissions Office
P.O. Box 182004
Columbus, OH 43218-2004
Unofficial transcripts: Applicants may upload a copy of an official transcript at the time of application through the Admissions Uploader. Documents submitted in this manner are considered unofficial but will suffice for the application. Web-based documents, online grade reports, and related materials are not acceptable. If an applicant is admitted, they will be required to supply official transcripts.
For more details regarding these methods of submitting transcripts, please visit The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.
An applicant’s resume or curriculum vitae should use a similar format to what would be used for a job application. Applicants should include previous education, professional experiences, community service, volunteer activities, publications, presentations, research and leadership experiences on the resume or CV. Applicants may submit this document at the time of application or after by way of the Admissions Uploader.
The purpose and goals statement is the opportunity to introduce yourself, address the questions provided and demonstrate your writing skills. Consideration is given to both the quality of your writing and the contributions of your experiences and attributes toward your goals with your program. Lived experiences could include global or community service, leadership, collaboration, experience with the specific population of interest or evidence-based practice projects, evidence of growth, resilience, match with the specialty, ability to appreciate varying perspectives and commitment to nursing. Quality of writing includes proper grammar and spelling with appropriate punctuation. Your statement should not exceed 3 single-spaced pages.
- Why are you seeking education in the DNP program at this time in your career?
- Identify a clinical area of interest and explain why this is an important issue to address in your area of expertise in nursing.
- What specifically are your academic and career goals for which the DNP will prepare you best?
- How have your life experiences prepared you for being a doctoral-prepared nurse?
Applicants are required to complete a recorded online video interview through an online portal called HireVue, during which applicants are recorded answering a brief selection of questions regarding interests and goals in nursing and the DNP program. This interview can be completed at any time during the application window. However, applicants should only do so after completing and submitting an application. Note: Applicants must complete the recorded online video interview before the application deadline. For further details, instructions and links to the online portal go to the interview.
Applicants will be asked to provide the names and email addresses of three (3) individuals who can speak to their clinical and leadership abilities. Once the application is submitted, an email will be automatically generated and sent to these recommenders with a link and further instruction on how to submit letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to submit their application far in advance of the deadline so that recommenders have ample time to upload letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should be submitted from individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s academic ability, professional experience and potential to succeed in the highest level of nursing practice. Applicants should provide recommenders with information on the applicant’s intended degree and specialty and a copy of the submitted purpose and goals statement. Recommenders should address the applicant’s potential for success in a rigorous graduate program and what attributes and experiences they feel will allow the applicant to excel as an advanced practice nurse or nurse executive in the chosen specialty. Finally, applicants should make recommenders aware of the submission process and the application deadline by which letters must be submitted.
Details regarding what English Proficiency tests are acceptable, the scores required, and how to submit scores may be found on The Ohio State University Graduate and Professional Admissions office’s website.
If you are currently or have been previously enrolled in a degree-granting graduate program at The Ohio State University for any length of time, you would be considered a Graduate Intra-University Transfer Student. Be sure to choose the appropriate application for “current or former” Ohio State students after following the Apply link found here. In addition to that online application, you must complete a Supplemental Application. This separate application must be submitted to the College of Nursing directly at CON-gradrecords@osu.edu.
Applicants who wish to pursue a DNP along with a certification in an advanced nursing specialty must apply to the BSN to DNP program instead of following the process detailed above. The application process for the BSN to DNP program may be found here. These applicants must also complete BSN to DNP application process by the deadline posted for the BSN to DNP program, not the deadline of the Post-Master’s DNP application process above. If this deadline has already passed, it is recommended that applicants wait and apply next year during the next application cycle or apply to the Post-Master’s DNP program as detailed above, but without pursuing an advanced nursing specialty.
Current Post-Master’s DNP students that wish to pursue an advanced nursing specialty should refer to their Student Handbook and contact their program manager.
Once an applicant is offered admission to the BSN to DNP program and accepts that offer, they may then petition the program to have their completed, graduate-level, nursing coursework reviewed to determine how it can apply to the degree requirements of their curriculum.
Admission Timeline
All required materials listed above must be submitted by the posted application deadline to be considered for admission. Please allow up to five business days for the status of materials to be updated on your application status webpage.
You are not able to defer admittance. If you are unable to begin your studies in the term to which you applied, you will be required to reapply in the future.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Graduates of our Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Executive degree program can advance in their career path in a number of health care executive positions including Senior VP and CNE, VP and CNO (Chief Nursing Officer), Assistant CNO, Chief of a specific specialty department such as CRNA, Director, or Nurse Manager.
Nurses with their DNP degree may look for leadership positions in academia, private corporations and hospital systems.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Work Activities
Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency. Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems. Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $73,710
- Mid Level: $206,420
- Senior Level:
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
5.5%
Related Careers
- Compliance Managers
- General and Operations Managers
- Public Relations Managers
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Treasurers and Controllers
Job Sectors
- Administration and Management
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Economics and Accounting
What They Do
Demonstrate and teach patient care in classroom and clinical units to nursing students. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Work Activities
Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory and clinic work, assignments, and papers. Supervise students' laboratory and clinical work. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $47,950
- Mid Level: $79,940
- Senior Level: $130,040
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
17.9%
Related Careers
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Health Education Specialists
- Health Informatics Specialists
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Education and Training
- Psychology
- English Language
- Biology
What They Do
Diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team. May focus on health promotion and disease prevention. May order, perform, or interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x rays. May prescribe medication. Must be registered nurses who have specialized graduate education.
Work Activities
Maintain complete and detailed records of patients' health care plans and prognoses. Develop treatment plans, based on scientific rationale, standards of care, and professional practice guidelines. Provide patients with information needed to promote health, reduce risk factors, or prevent disease or disability.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $97,960
- Mid Level: $129,210
- Senior Level: $169,950
Job Outlook
Bright
Projected Growth
46.3%
Related Careers
- Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- Clinical Nurse Specialists
- Emergency Medicine Physicians
- Family Medicine Physicians
- Registered Nurses
Job Sectors
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Biology
- Psychology
- Customer and Personal Service
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
Ohio State’s nurse executive DNP program curriculum consists of coursework that develops advanced leadership skills to improve patient outcomes in complex health systems. A curriculum sample can be found below.
Year 1
This course immerses students into the knowledge, principles & skills of evidence-based practice (EBP) integral to preparing the DNP for mentoring & leading EBP in advanced practice settings & in healthcare systems. The content places strong emphasis on the initial steps of the EBP process from organizational assessment & problem identification through making recommendations based on evidence.
Explore the theoretical foundations and application of quality improvement methods, tools and strategies needed to increase organizational effectiveness. Focuses on measurement and accountability in health care delivery systems through the examination and analysis of data, structures, processes, and outcomes. Prepares students to lead and practice in organizations.
This course focuses on methods, application and interpretation of data and epidemiological approaches for evidence-based nursing practice.
Development of scholarly writing and peer review skills in scholarly nursing practice. Prereq: Enrollment in DNP program, or permission of instructor.
Analysis of complex culture in health care and the impact on organizational structure, relationships, evaluation, and outcomes.
An Evidence-based Program to Reduce Stress and Promote Overall Well-being
Through a series of educational and skills building activities, this course provides an evidence-based program that reduces stress, improves mental resiliency and builds protective factors that improve overall health, well-being, and academic performance.
Critical analysis of population-based factors that impact population and personal health care including how structural racism and the social determinants of health contribute to health disparities and how health behavior theories, framework, and evidence-based strategies lead to improvements to community health outcomes.
Explore the theoretical foundations and application of quality improvement methods, tools and strategies needed to increase organizational effectiveness. Focuses on measurement and accountability in health care delivery systems through the examination and analysis of data, structures, processes, and outcomes. Prepares students to lead and practice in organizations.
Analysis of the role of the DNP nurse executive within complex healthcare systems.
Application, integration and synthesis of knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet AACN Essentials for Advanced-Level Nursing Education sub-competencies with practice experiences designed to help students achieve competencies in the specialty components of the DNP role.
Examination of leadership styles to develop and maximize the DNP leader’s role and interprofessional collaboration among diverse teams to positively impact health outcomes. Focus on theories and principles of communication, leadership, interprofessional collaboration, change management, role development and systems thinking.
Application, integration and synthesis of knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet AACN Essentials for Advanced-Level Nursing Education sub-competencies with practice experiences designed to help students achieve competencies in the specialty components of the DNP.
Examination of policymaking at the system, local, state, and federal levels to influence evidence-informed policy change affecting health care.
This course will apply information and communication technologies and informatics processes to nursing practice. It will address skills needed to assess, evaluate, and optimize health information systems/technology to support communication, the delivery of high-quality care, and improvement of population health. These components emphasize the design and implementation of health care technology.
Year 2
Exploring healthcare economics and finance for the DNP.
Application, integration and synthesis of knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet AACN Essentials for Advanced-Level Nursing Education sub-competencies with practice experiences designed to help students achieve competencies in the specialty components of the DNP role.
Students complete a scholarly clinical project based on their individualized goals and interests.
Development of scholarly writing and peer review skills in scholarly nursing practice.
Students complete a scholarly clinical project based on their individualized goals and interests.
Application, integration and synthesis of knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet AACN Essentials for Advanced-Level Nursing Education sub-competencies with practice experiences designed to help students achieve competencies in the specialty components of the DNP role.
Program Faculty
While taking the next step in their nursing careers in this online post-master’s DNP program, students will learn hands-on from expert faculty.
Randee Masciola, DNP, APRN-CNP, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Associate Clinical Professor, DNP Program Director
Dr. Randee Masciola focuses on prevention, education and health maintenance in regards to women’s health across the life span.
Jacalyn Buck, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL
Professor of Clinical Practice
Teri Chenot, EdD, MS, MEd, MSN, RN, CCE(ACBE), FNAP, FAAN
Clinical Professor
Penelope Gorsuch, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FACHE, USAF Col (ret)
Clinical Assistant Professor of Practice
Jacqueline Hoying, PhD, RN, NBC-HWC, FNAP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Molly McNett, PhD, RN, CNRN, FNCS, FAAN
Clinical Professor
Todd Tussing, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC, EBP-C, FNAP
Assistant Clinical Professor
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program, which are estimates based on a 6-credit hour semester as a part-time student and a 8-credit hour semester as a full-time student.
| Tuition Fees | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $972.50 | $7,780.00 |
| General Fee | $32.63 | $261.00 |
| Program Fee | $250.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Textbooks & Course Materials (varies per DNP track) | $3085.00 (per program) | $3085.00 (per program) |
| Equipment & Additional One-Time Fees (varies per DNP track) | $1,300 (per program) | $1,300 (per program) |
| Nursing Distance Learning Fee | $228.00 (per semester) | $228.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.Â
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